Julia Roberts appeared nearly unrecognizable while filming August: Osage County in Bartsville, Oklahoma. Known for her glamorous roles, she transformed into Barbara Weston, wearing layered blouses, loose blue jeans, and unstyled brown hair. The role required her to portray deep emotional turmoil, especially during a scene where her character and Ewan McGregor’s Bill Fordham walk toward a boat dock to identify a body.
As the scene unfolds, Barbara begins crying, eventually seeking comfort in Bill’s arms. Despite the heaviness of the moment, Roberts was seen laughing and joking with co-stars between takes, including Julianne Nicholson, who seemed to share something funny with the group.
Nicholson, also dressed plainly in navy blue slacks and a ponytail, matched the film’s gritty aesthetic. The cast’s appearance emphasized the raw, unvarnished emotional atmosphere the movie aimed to capture.
August: Osage County features an impressive ensemble, including Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken and Meryl Streep as Violet Weston. Originally, Andrea Riseborough was cast but left due to scheduling conflicts, with Juliette Lewis stepping in as Karen Weston. Renée Zellweger was also considered. Abigail Breslin won the role of Jean Fordham over Chloë Moretz.
Though emotionally demanding, the filming process also involved lighter moments, illustrating the strong connection among the cast. With its mix of heavy drama and behind-the-scenes levity, the 2013 film stands out for its emotional depth and acclaimed performances.
