LISTEN: Inside Variety’s Cover Story as Julia Roberts Gets Provocative in ‘After the Hunt’; Revisiting Lilith Fair in Hulu Documentary

Julia Roberts, whose career-defining roles in films like "Pretty Woman" and "Erin Brockovich" have cemented her as one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, recently made a notable return to the spotlight at the Venice Film Festival. There, she presented Luca Guadagnino’s compelling new drama, "After the Hunt," an Amazon MGM Studios release set to debut in theaters on October 17. In a recent installment of the "Daily Variety" podcast, Variety’s co-Editor in Chief Ramin Setoodeh sat down with Roberts, Guadagnino, and key cast members for an in-depth conversation about the project.

Despite the film’s challenging subject matter—a university sexual assault case—Setoodeh noted the remarkable cohesion among the ensemble. Roberts portrays a tenured professor caught between an accuser and the accused, with standout performances from Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Chloë Sevigny, and Michael Stuhlbarg. Setoodeh emphasized the especially strong creative bond between Roberts and Guadagnino, forged during an intense 28-day shoot. Roberts revealed that her decision to join the project was heavily influenced by a personal, hours-long meeting with the director at a friend’s home, not just the script itself. “For her, the director’s vision and personal connection carry as much weight as the written word,” Setoodeh remarked, highlighting how such collaborations often define landmark films.

In the same episode, Variety’s chief music critic Chris Willman explored Hulu’s forthcoming documentary "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery," scheduled to premiere on September 21. Conceived by Sarah McLachlan at the height of her fame, Lilith Fair broke new ground as a touring festival exclusively featuring women artists. Willman emphasized its pioneering role in shaping today’s multi-genre festival landscape, noting that while events like Coachella now routinely blend musical styles, Lilith Fair’s primary aim was gender equity. “It transcended genre and attitude,” he observed. “Performers from R&B, rock, folk, and other backgrounds shared the stage—a radical concept in the late 1990s.”

This eclectic approach not only attracted a wider audience but also helped pave the way for the more inclusive booking practices seen at major festivals today. As Willman pointed out, Lilith Fair’s influence is frequently overlooked, yet its legacy is evident in contemporary events that deliberately program diverse, representative lineups. Industry experts have noted that the festival’s model encouraged promoters to think beyond commercial formulas, ultimately enriching the live music experience for fans and artists alike.

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