Miss America (2002)

Plot Summary

Tracking the country’s oldest beauty contest—from its inception in 1921 as a local seaside pageant to its heyday as one of the country’s most popular events—Miss America paints a vivid picture of an institution that has come to reveal much about a changing nation. The pageant is about commercialism and sexual politics, about big business and small towns. But beyond the symbolism lies a human story—at once moving, inspiring, infuriating, funny, and poignant. Combining rare archival footage, with a host of intimate interviews with distinguished commentators including Gloria Steinem, Margaret Cho, Isaac Mizrahi, former contestants and behind–the–scenes footage and photographs, the film reveals why some women took part in the fledgling event and why others briefly rejected it - how the pageant became a battle ground and a barometer for the changing position of women in society.

Full Cast & Characters

Cherry Jones

Narrator

Julia Álvarez

Self

Sarah Banet-Weiser

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Kimberly Clarice Aiken

Self

Gloria Steinem

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Ric Ferentz

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Margaret Cho

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William Goldman

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Vicki Gold Levi

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Leonard Horn

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Lee Meriwether

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Isaac Mizrahi

Self

Director & Crew

Where to Watch Miss America Online

Frequently Asked Questions