John Sayles Director, Writer, Film Editing Chris Cooper Sheriff Sam Deeds Actor Elizabeth Peña Pilar Cruz Actor Joe Morton Colonel Delmore Payne Actor Ron Canada Otis Payne Actor Clifton James Mayor Hollis Pogue Actor Kris Kristofferson Sheriff Charlie Wade Actor Matthew McConaughey Buddy Deeds Actor Miriam Colon Mercedes Cruz Actor Frances McDormand Bunny Actor Jeff Monahan Young Hollis Actor Gabriel Casseus Young Otis Payne Actor Vanessa Martinez Young Pilar Actor Tay Strathairn Young Sam Actor Maggie Renzi Producer R. Paul Miller Producer John Sloss Executive Producer Stuart Dryburgh Cinematographer Mason Daring Original Music Dan Bishop Production Design J. Kyler Black Art Director Dianna Freas Set Decoration Shay Cunliffe Costume Design Avy Kaufman Casting