When filming alongside Ewan McGregor, the 44-year-old Julia Roberts was almost unrecognizable from the glamorous star who captured hearts as Vivian Ward in the iconic 1990 film Pretty Woman.
Without a trace of makeup and clad in frumpy, layered clothing, Julia underwent a dramatic transformation while shooting emotional scenes for August: Osage County in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
On set, the usually radiant actress slipped into the role of Barbara Weston — a woman grappling with deep family conflicts amid the chaos of an alcoholic patriarch’s disappearance. Sporting a loose white shirt over a cream blouse and baggy blue jeans, Julia’s long brown hair was left unstyled, lending her a raw, vulnerable look far removed from her usual Hollywood glam.
During a particularly intense scene, Ewan McGregor’s character, Bill Fordham, tightly held Julia’s hand as they approached a boat dock to identify a body for the local sheriff. As Julia’s character broke down in tears, seeking comfort in Bill’s arms, the emotional weight of the moment was palpable — a testament to Julia’s powerful performance.
Yet, behind the scenes, the mood was far lighter. Between takes, Julia couldn’t contain her laughter, sharing a joyful moment with co-star Julianne Nicholson, who seemed to be pointing out something amusing to the group.
Julianne Nicholson, who plays Karen Weston, also appeared disheveled, dressed casually in navy bell-bottom pants and her hair tied back in a simple ponytail, fitting perfectly into the film’s gritty family drama vibe.
August: Osage County also stars notable actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken, along with the legendary Meryl Streep as Violet Weston.
Interestingly, the film’s IMDb page reveals that Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were considered for roles. Riseborough was initially cast but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, with Juliette Lewis stepping in as Karen Weston. Meanwhile, Chloë Grace Moretz auditioned for Jean Fordham but lost the part to Abigail Breslin.
This talented ensemble brought the intense family drama to life, balancing moments of heart-wrenching emotion with unexpected bursts of humor — just like the laughter shared on set.
