Julia Roberts, long admired as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous icons, stunned fans and critics when she appeared almost unrecognizable while filming deeply emotional scenes for the critically acclaimed drama August: Osage County. Known for her iconic role as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990), Roberts stripped away her signature red-carpet allure to take on the raw and vulnerable role of Barbara Weston in the adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
On set in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Roberts looked nothing like the polished star audiences had adored for decades. Dressed in loose blue jeans, a cream top layered with a plain white button-down shirt, and minimal makeup, she embodied the everyday look of a woman consumed by grief and responsibility. Her long brunette hair, usually styled for sophistication, was left natural and unkempt, reflecting the emotional weight of her character. This transformation was a deliberate move away from her glamorous image, as playing Barbara, a woman grappling with family dysfunction and the disappearance of her alcoholic father, required authenticity over aesthetics. One particularly intense sequence captured Roberts’ dedication to the role.
Joined by Ewan McGregor, who played her estranged husband Bill Fordham, Roberts filmed a heartbreaking scene in which their characters were escorted by a sheriff to identify a body. As the story unfolded, Barbara collapsed in hysterical sobs, her raw grief pouring out while McGregor’s character tried to comfort her. The moment highlighted the heavy emotional tone of the film, a searing portrait of family secrets, pain, and the complex ties that bind loved ones.
Yet despite the weight of her performance, Roberts displayed warmth and humor between takes. She was seen laughing with fellow cast members, including Julianne Nicholson, who lightened the mood by sharing a funny story on set. These candid moments showcased Roberts’ ability to transition seamlessly from wrenching dramatic intensity to her natural charm, a reminder of the camaraderie that helped sustain the cast through demanding days of filming. Roberts’ intentionally plain wardrobe was also central to her transformation.
Rather than designer gowns or carefully crafted looks, her layered clothing reflected Barbara’s struggle to manage her fractured family while hiding her own unraveling. The simplicity of her attire stripped away any distraction, forcing audiences to focus on the emotional core of the character. Julianne Nicholson, who played Ivy Weston, also adopted the understated aesthetic, wearing a simple blue shirt and brown trousers with her hair tied back in a ponytail.
The entire ensemble embraced a look that mirrored the bleak realism of a Midwestern family on the brink of collapse. August: Osage County featured a star-studded cast, each member contributing to the raw authenticity of the story. Meryl Streep delivered a powerhouse performance as Violet Weston, the volatile matriarch whose biting wit and destructive behavior fueled much of the drama. Her dynamic with Roberts was hailed as unforgettable by critics, as both actresses brought emotional firepower to their roles. The supporting cast included Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken, Juliette Lewis as Karen Weston, and Abigail Breslin as Jean Fordham, Barbara’s teenage daughter.
Breslin won the part after auditioning against Chloë Grace Moretz, while Juliette Lewis replaced Andrea Riseborough, who exited due to scheduling conflicts. These casting choices reinforced the filmmakers’ dedication to assembling a powerhouse ensemble to bring Letts’ acclaimed play to the screen. When the film was released in 2013, it quickly earned critical acclaim, particularly for its performances. Roberts’ portrayal of Barbara earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, while Streep was nominated for Best Actress. Critics praised Roberts for stepping away from her Hollywood glamour to fully embody a character who was weary, flawed, and deeply human. Her performance was seen as a reminder of her versatility, proving she could excel in gut-wrenching dramas just as convincingly as she had in beloved romantic comedies.
Off screen, Roberts was also praised for bringing her personal experiences as a mother into her performance. As the mother of three children with her husband, cinematographer Daniel Moder, she was able to draw from her maternal instincts to portray the complex relationship between Barbara and her teenage daughter. Many observers felt her authenticity as a mother enhanced the depth of her performance, making Barbara’s struggles all the more relatable.
Behind the scenes, the production itself carried stories of last-minute casting changes and challenges. Andrea Riseborough had been slated to play Karen Weston but was replaced by Juliette Lewis, while Abigail Breslin secured her role only after competing against other rising stars. These shifts reflected the fluid nature of major Hollywood productions, where schedules and casting often change until the last moment. Roberts’ transformation in August: Osage County mattered because it reminded audiences of the power of reinvention in film. Fans who associated her with glamorous roles were surprised to see her embrace such an unpolished, emotionally raw character.
The choice reinforced her reputation as one of the most adaptable and fearless actresses of her generation. By shedding her glamorous image, she demonstrated a willingness to embrace vulnerability for the sake of storytelling. More than a decade later, her performance in August: Osage County is remembered not just for its dramatic intensity but also for the way it redefined her career. Supported by a stellar ensemble, Roberts helped bring a Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the screen with authenticity and emotional force. Her stripped-down appearance, devoid of glamour, allowed her artistry to shine through, cementing her place not just as a Hollywood icon but as a consummate actress willing to take risks and push boundaries.
