Bessie - 6.35★

Queen Latifah - Bessie Smith

Mo'Nique - Ma Rainey

Mike Epps - Richard

Tika Sumpter - Lucille

Michael Kenneth Williams - Jack Gee

Charles S. Dutton - William 'Pa' Rainey

Bryan Greenberg - John Hammond

Oliver Platt - Carl Van Vechten

Khandi Alexander - Viola

Tory Kittles - Clarence

Joe Knezevich - Frank Walker

Jeremie Harris - Langston Hughes

Jennifer Sears - Ma's Main Girl

Terence Rosemore - Detroit Theater Manager

L. Warren Young - Sharkish Man