Based on Robert Harling's 1987 play, Steel Magnolias reflects Harling's experience with the death of his diabetic sister Susan Harling Robinson. The film marks  Julia Roberts' first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and first Golden Globe Award.  Roberts plays Shelby, a young bride with diabetes who has a child and later dies of kidney failure.

Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger star as mother and daughter with a classic love/hate relationship. After going about their lives seperately for years and having unstable relationships, the two come together when Emma (Winger) learns she has malignancy and won't survive her illness.