In an unexpected departure from her usual glamorous look, she stepped into the role of Barbara Weston in a completely different guise. Gone were the designer gowns and high heels, replaced by the unassuming simplicity of jeans and layered tops, a stark contrast to the polished image she’s known for. Her character, Barbara, was nothing like the usual refined woman we see on screen, a portrayal that required a shift in style and demeanor. She donned a modest blue shirt paired with brown, flared trousers, her hair tied back into a casual ponytail, embodying the plainness of her character in August: Osage County.
The film, which also featured stars like Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken and Meryl Streep as Violet Weston, was a dramatic exploration of family dynamics and deep emotional struggles. The IMDb page for the movie details how Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were both considered for a role in the film. While Riseborough was initially cast, scheduling conflicts led to her departure, making way for Juliette Lewis to take on the role of Karen Weston. Meanwhile, Chloë Moretz had auditioned for the part of Jean Fordham, but it was Abigail Breslin who eventually secured the role.
Meanwhile, Julia’s commitment to the role went beyond wardrobe. She worked with Julianna Nicholson on the set, her face stripped of makeup and dressed in dowdy, unremarkable clothes. This transformation was not just physical; it was a deep dive into her character, as she filmed emotionally charged scenes in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. With every detail carefully crafted, from her look to her demeanor, Julia became Barbara Weston—vulnerable, raw, and stripped of the glamour that often defines her.