On Thursday, as Julia Roberts filmed scenes alongside Ewan McGregor for their new movie, *August: Osage County*, viewers and fans might have done a double take if they’d seen her in the midst of the shoot. The Julia Roberts everyone recognizes from Hollywood’s red carpets and magazine covers wasn’t present that day—not at least not at first glance. Gone was the glossier-than-gloss star with perfectly styled hair and radiant makeup. Instead, she was almost unrecognizable, transformed entirely into her character, Barbara Weston. Her face was stripped of makeup, her hair tied back into a simple ponytail, and she wore no glamorous designer wardrobe but rather dowdy clothing that fit her role perfectly.
The scene was emotionally charged. Julia, playing a woman dealing with a family in chaos—an intense story about overcoming personal differences when their patriarch, an alcoholic, goes missing—delivered a tearful performance that left little doubt about her dedication to her craft. Her character, overwhelmed with grief and pain, broke down on set as she and Ewan McGregor’s character, Bill Fordham, made their way to a boat dock to identify a dead body posed against the gritty backdrop of Bartsville, Oklahoma. It was raw, authentic, and layered with emotion.
In that scene, Ewan’s character reached out, holding Julia’s hand with a gentle, almost anticipatory grip, as they walked toward the sheriff. Walking down to the dock, they had a quiet, tense exchange—an unspoken understanding lingering just beneath the surface. And then, when they reached their destination, Julia’s character burst into tears. Her face was a mask of distress as she looked to Ewan’s character for comfort, collapsing into his arms as she cried—a moment so real that viewers watching behind the scenes could almost feel her anguish. It was the kind of performance that showcased her acting prowess, a stark contrast to her usual polished and glamorous roles.
Yet, amidst the intense and sometimes hysterical distress she portrayed during the scene, moments later between takes, Julia was cracking up with laughter. The actress, known for her down-to-earth attitude and natural sense of humor, was caught casually chatting with co-star Julianna Nicholson. The two appeared to be sharing a joke, pointing out something amusing to the group. It was a moment of levity that reminded everyone that even amidst emotionally demanding scenes, inside the set, there’s always room for some genuine fun and camaraderie.
For that day’s filming, Julia’s wardrobe was nothing like her star-studded red carpet ensembles. She wore a pair of well-worn blue jeans, layered tops, and a simple blue shirt, all of which contributed to her “mumsy” appearance—exactly how her character needed to look. She was dressed practically, her hair tied back into a no-nonsense ponytail that kept her hair out of her face during the emotionally draining take. Her relaxed, less glamorous look made her instantly more relatable; she looked like any mother dealing with devastating family crises, not the Hollywood starlet many fans are used to seeing.
This role, *August: Osage County*, features a cast that’s as illustrious as it gets—Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Julianne Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Benedict Cumberbatch, among others. The film, based on the acclaimed play, explores complex family dynamics, addiction, secrets, and resilience. The fact that Julia Roberts is portraying such a raw, earthy character shows her dedication to diversifying her roles and stepping outside her comfort zone.
In addition, the film’s cast was carefully assembled, with notable actors considered, including Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough. Riseborough was originally cast but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, which led to Juliette Lewis stepping in as Karen Weston. Also, there was a fierce battle for the role of Jean Fordham, with Chloe Grace Moretz auditioning before Abigail Breslin ultimately landed the part. The process behind the scenes was just as competitive and intense as the film’s emotional landscape.
What’s clear from the behind-the-scenes glimpses, including candid moments like the laughter between takes, is that the cast was deeply committed to bringing this powerful story to life. Julia, in particular, radiates her signature humility and dedication, choosing to throw herself wholeheartedly into a role that required vulnerability and authenticity. For her, acting isn’t just about glamour or fame—it’s about tapping into raw human emotion and portraying stories that resonate long after the cameras stop rolling.
Watching her deliver that tearful scene and then share a simple, genuine laugh off-camera was a reminder of the true artistry behind acting. It’s a craft that requires discipline, sensitivity, and a bit of humor to balance the heavy moments. Julia’s transformation on set, shunning her usual Hollywood polish, showcased her ability to fully inhabit her character, making her performance all the more compelling.
As filming continued, it was evident that this project was more than just another movie. It’s a story about overcoming personal and familial struggles, and Julia Roberts
