Being Julia (2004)
A glamorous 1930s stage legend rediscovers her fire — and her genius for revenge — in this witty, stylish comedy-drama.
Being Julia - Movie Information
- Original Title: Being Julia
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: István Szabó
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 3, 2004 (United States - R), November 19, 2004 (United Kingdom - 12), April 7, 2005 (Germany - 0), June 10, 2005 (Italy - T), October 27, 2005 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Csodálatos Júlia (HU), Adorable Julia (FR), Adorável Júlia (BR)
- Production Companies: Serendipity Point Films, First Choice Films, Hogarth Productions
- Production Countries: Canada, United Kingdom
Being Julia - Plot
Julia Lambert is a true diva: beautiful, talented, wealthy and famous. She has it all - including a devoted husband who has mastermined her brilliant career - but after years of shining in the spotlight she begins to suffer from a severe case of boredom and longs for something new and exciting to put the twinkle back in her eye. Julia finds exactly what she's looking for in a handsome young American fan, but it isn't long before the novelty fling adds a few more sparks than she was hoping for. Fortunately for her, this surprise twist in the plot will thrust her back into the greatest role of her life.
Being Julia - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Annette Bening own every frame:
Passion. Obsession. Revenge. Prepare for the performance of a lifetime.
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Being Julia - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- István Szabó
Main Cast
- Annette Bening
- Jeremy Irons
- Miriam Margolyes
- Bruce Greenwood
- Michael Gambon
- Leigh Lawson
- Shaun Evans
- Juliet Stevenson
- Max Irons
- Michael Culkin
Writers
- W. Somerset Maugham
- Ronald Harwood
Producers
- Robert Lantos
Being Julia - FAQs
What is Being Julia about?
Being Julia follows Julia Lambert, a dazzling 1930s London stage star who grows restless despite fame and a devoted husband. A flirtation with a charming young American fan spirals into obsession and betrayal — setting the stage for a brilliantly calculated act of theatrical revenge that reminds everyone why she's a legend.
How does Being Julia end, and what is the revenge?
Julia discovers her young lover Tom has been using her to advance the career of a rival actress. Rather than confront him privately, she engineers a humiliating public comeuppance on stage — improvising a scene that exposes them both to the audience. It's a masterclass in theatrical power, and deeply satisfying to watch.
Where can you stream Being Julia right now?
Being Julia is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. You can also catch it for free with ads on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV — a great option if you'd rather not pay.
Did Annette Bening win an Oscar for Being Julia?
Annette Bening earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Julia Lambert — one of the most praised performances of her career. She also won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for the role, cementing the film's awards-season impact.
Who are the main actors in Being Julia?
The film boasts a stellar cast. Annette Bening leads as Julia Lambert, with Jeremy Irons as her calculating husband Michael, Michael Gambon as her theatrical mentor, Bruce Greenwood as her devoted admirer Lord Charles, and Shaun Evans as the young fan who sets everything in motion. Miriam Margolyes and Juliet Stevenson round out the ensemble beautifully.
Is Being Julia based on a true story or a book?
Being Julia is adapted from Theatre, a 1937 novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The character of Julia Lambert is widely believed to be inspired by real-life theatrical legends of the era, though she is not based on a single specific person. Screenwriter Ronald Harwood shaped the novel into its witty, cinematic form.
Who directed Being Julia and what is the film's tone?
Hungarian director István Szabó helmed the film, bringing an elegant, theatrical sensibility to the story. The tone is sharp and playful — part drawing-room comedy, part character study — with a wicked undercurrent of revenge. Szabó lets Bening command every scene, and the 1930s London setting is rendered with gorgeous period detail.
Is Being Julia worth watching for classic film fans?
Absolutely. Being Julia is a sophisticated, witty delight anchored by one of Annette Bening's finest performances. Critics praised its sharp script, lush production design, and the sheer pleasure of watching a woman reclaim her power on her own terms. If you enjoy elegant, character-driven period films, this one delivers.
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