Julia Roberts is a name synonymous with glamour and beauty, but on the set of her latest movie August: Osage County, the actress stepped far outside her usual polished persona. Filming in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Roberts’s appearance was drastically different from her typical red carpet look, with her face stripped of makeup and dressed in dowdy clothing for her emotionally charged role as Barbara Weston.
Julia Roberts and Ewan McGregor Film Intense Scene in August: Osage County
On Thursday, Roberts, along with her co-star Ewan McGregor, was seen filming emotional scenes for the upcoming drama August: Osage County. The film, set in the Midwest, explores the dynamics of a family coming together after the disappearance of the alcoholic patriarch, and the deep-seated tensions between family members.
Roberts’s character, Barbara Weston, is one of the central figures in the drama. The actress was almost unrecognizable as she portrayed a grieving daughter forced to confront her family’s long-hidden secrets.
Hysterical Performance: Julia Roberts Delivers a Heart-Wrenching Act
Known for her ability to portray both lighthearted and heavy roles, Roberts delivered an incredible hysterical performance in the film. In the scene being filmed, Julia’s character Barbara is forced to identify a dead body alongside her family at a boat dock, where they are met by a Sheriff. The intense moment was emotionally charged, and as Roberts’s character looks upon the lifeless body, her tearful breakdown is a testament to her acting skill.
The scene was highly charged, with Ewan McGregor playing Bill Fordham, Barbara’s husband, holding her hand with great anticipation as they made their way down to the dock. Once the body was identified, Roberts’s character was overwhelmed with grief, bursting into tears as she was comforted by Bill in a heart-wrenching moment of pure emotion.
Despite the intense nature of the scene, the actress’s on-set mood took a lighter turn once the cameras stopped rolling. Between takes, Julia was seen laughing with her fellow castmates, particularly Julianne Nicholson, who seemed to be pointing out something funny, much to the group’s amusement.
Julia’s ‘Mumsy’ Transformation: No Glam, Just Authenticity
In stark contrast to her usual red carpet style, Julia Roberts embraced a more dowdy look for her portrayal of Barbara Weston. The actress wore a white shirt layered over a cream-colored top, paired with loose-fitting blue jeans. Her long brunette locks were not styled in the glamorous waves we’re used to seeing, but rather left untamed to reflect the character’s more down-to-earth, unpolished persona.
It’s a bold choice for an actress who’s known for her iconic beauty, but Roberts’s commitment to the role speaks to her versatility as an actress. This unrefined look was a perfect reflection of Barbara’s inner turmoil and familial struggles, as the character deals with the complexities of her relationships while attempting to hold the family together in the wake of tragedy.
Co-Stars of August: Osage County: A Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Julia Roberts, August: Osage County features an ensemble of talented actors, including Meryl Streep, who plays Violet Weston, the alcoholic matriarch of the family. Benedict Cumberbatch also joins the cast as Little Charles Aiken, and Julianne Nicholson plays the role of Ivy Weston.
In a more dowdy fashion to fit her character, Nicholson was seen wearing a blue shirt paired with brown flared trousers. Her hair was tied back into a simple ponytail, contributing to the grounded, everyday look that was consistent with the film’s realistic and relatable portrayal of family dynamics.
Other notable stars who appear in the 2013 film include Juliette Lewis, who replaced Renée Zellweger after scheduling conflicts prevented Zellweger from taking the role of Karen Weston. Chloë Moretz also auditioned for the role of Jean Fordham, but lost out to Abigail Breslin, who was ultimately cast.
Behind the Scenes: The Lighter Moments Between Takes
While the filming of such an emotionally charged movie could easily be draining, the behind-the-scenes atmosphere seems to have remained positive and light-hearted. Between takes, Julia Roberts and her co-stars were seen cracking up with laughter. Julianne Nicholson was seen sharing a funny moment with the group, proving that even in intense dramas, a little humor can go a long way to lighten the mood.
It’s no surprise that Roberts was able to navigate the heavy emotional scenes with ease — she’s known for her infectious personality and sense of humor off-screen, which undoubtedly helped maintain camaraderie on set.
A Look at August: Osage County’s Success and Impact
August: Osage County was released in 2013 to critical acclaim, with Julia Roberts receiving praise for her transformative performance. The film, adapted from the Tony Award-winning play by Tracy Letts, explores complex family relationships and the burden of dark secrets. It touched on universal themes of addiction, loss, and reconciliation — themes that are as relevant today as when the film was first released.
The film was also recognized with several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, both for their outstanding performances.
In addition to the incredible cast and powerful storytelling, the film’s exploration of family dynamics resonated deeply with audiences, making it a must-watch drama.
What’s Next for Julia Roberts?
After starring in August: Osage County, Julia Roberts has continued to enjoy a successful career in Hollywood. Her upcoming projects are highly anticipated, and she remains one of the most respected actresses in the industry. Whether she’s portraying a troubled family member or a charismatic lead, Roberts’s commitment to her craft remains unwavering.
As for August: Osage County, the film continues to be celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of family relationships. Fans of Julia Roberts and her powerful performances will undoubtedly continue to revisit this movie for years to come.
