Julia Roberts Unrecognizable on Set of August: Osage County

Julia Roberts took on a drastically different look while filming August: Osage County in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Known for her glamorous red carpet appearances, the star was seen in layered tops, jeans, a blue shirt, and brown flared trousers, with her hair tied back into a plain ponytail.

Playing Barbara Weston in the 2013 family drama, Roberts fully embraced a dowdy appearance to fit the emotionally intense role. Makeup-free and dressed in unflattering clothes, she looked far removed from her usual Hollywood style.

Other big names in the ensemble cast included Meryl Streep as Violet Weston and Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken. The film, based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, explores a dysfunctional family gathering in Oklahoma after a tragedy.

According to IMDb, both Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were considered for roles. Riseborough was initially cast but dropped out due to scheduling issues, leading to Juliette Lewis stepping in as Karen Weston.

Abigail Breslin played Jean Fordham, a role for which Chloë Grace Moretz also auditioned. Breslin ultimately landed the part, contributing to the film’s strong emotional core.

Behind the scenes, Roberts and her co-stars appeared to bond well, sharing laughter between takes with actress Julianna Nicholson.

The star’s willingness to shed her glamorous image for such a raw character earned her praise from both fans and critics. Her portrayal of Barbara brought depth and vulnerability to the film’s portrayal of family trauma.

August: Osage County went on to receive several award nominations, including Oscar nods for both Roberts and Streep, solidifying its place as a standout drama driven by powerful performances.