Julia Roberts Headlines Multiple Entertainment News Stories on August 25, 2025

Several significant developments involving Hollywood icon Julia Roberts emerged today, spanning charitable fundraising efforts, film festival appearances, and upcoming movie releases.

SoCal Fire Fund Auctions Star-Studded Experiences Including Julia Roberts Lunch

The SoCal Fire Fund announced today that it is auctioning off several high-profile celebrity experiences to support recovery efforts following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that occurred earlier this month. Among the premier auction items is an exclusive lunch date with Julia Roberts, offering fans and philanthropists a rare opportunity to dine with the Academy Award-winning actress while contributing to disaster relief efforts.

The charitable initiative represents a collaboration between the CAA Foundation, Core (the aid organization co-founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee), and the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation. The fund, which will be administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, aims to provide vital support to students, school employees, and families impacted by the recent wildfires. Other auction experiences include an on-set visit to Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” and a White Lotus premiere experience with cast meet and greet opportunities.

Venice Film Festival Welcomes Roberts for Her Festival Debut

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival officially kicks off this week, with Julia Roberts making her highly anticipated Venice debut. The festival, running from August 27 to September 6, will showcase Roberts in Luca Guadagnino’s psychological thriller “After the Hunt,” which premieres out of competition on Friday.

Roberts joins an impressive lineup of A-list actors descending upon Venice’s sandy Lido, including George Clooney, Jude Law, and Emma Stone. The festival serves as a crucial launching pad for Oscar contenders, with previous Venice winners like “Nomadland” and “Joker” going on to achieve Academy Award success. Roberts’ film will screen at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido di Venezia, with public screenings scheduled for August 29 at 6:45 pm at the Sala Grande and 8:00 pm at the PalaBiennale.

“After the Hunt” Confirms Theatrical Release Strategy

Roberts’ latest project, “After the Hunt,” has confirmed its theatrical distribution plan following its Venice premiere. The psychological thriller, directed by Luca Guadagnino and co-starring Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, will open in limited release on October 10 before expanding nationwide on October 17.

The film centers on Roberts as a college professor confronting both personal and professional crises when a star student levels accusations against a colleague while dark secrets from her own past threaten exposure. The screenplay, written by actress Nora Garrett in her debut as a screenwriter, tackles contemporary themes around sexual assault allegations in academic settings. The October release positions “After the Hunt” to compete against Universal and Blumhouse’s “The Black Phone 2” and the Keanu Reeves comedy “Good Fortune”.

Conclusion

Today’s developments highlight Julia Roberts’ continued prominence in both humanitarian efforts and major film projects. Her participation in the SoCal Fire Fund auction demonstrates her commitment to disaster relief, while her Venice Film Festival debut and upcoming theatrical release underscore her enduring appeal as a leading actress. These concurrent activities reflect the multifaceted nature of celebrity involvement in both charitable causes and high-profile entertainment ventures, positioning Roberts at the center of significant cultural conversations as the Venice Film Festival commences.