Julia Roberts holds hands with co-star Julianne Nicholson after dining together

PUBLISHED: 21:54 EST, 29 November 2012 | UPDATED: 21:54 EST, 29 November 2012

It seems Julia Roberts made some friends for life while filming her latest movie August: Osage Country recently.

The actress and her co-star Julianne Nicholson looked like they had known each other for years when they strolled hand-in-hand together on Thursday.

Julia, 44, and her 41-year-old new best friend had just enjoyed a meal together at Hals Bar and Grill in Venice Beach.

Hand-in-hand: Julia Roberts held hands with her August: Osage County co-star Julianne Nicholson after lunch on Thursday in Venice Beach

They were reportedly joined for lunch by Ewan McGregor and Dermot Mulroney, who also star in the upcoming black comedy.

But it didnt look like Julia and Julianne were discussing work as they chatted animatedly while walking through the car park together, unfazed by the wet weather.

Julia looked stylish but cosy for the outing in a thick stone-coloured jacket, jeans, brown motorcycle boots and a cute plum hat.

Bets of friends: It seems the pair have formed a close bond since they started working on the black comedy together

Great chemistry: The duo had reportedly been dining with Ewan McGregor and Dermot Mulroney, who also appear in the movie

Hat's nice: Julia looked warm but stylish in her stone-coloured coat and plum hat

Meanwhile Boardwalk Empire star Julianne went for an all-black ensemble and teamed a leather jacket and matching boots with a pair of skinny jeans.

Its hardly a surprise they were having such a good time together as they were clearly getting on great will filming their new movie in Oklahoma last month.

The film is based on Tracy Letts' Pulitzer- and Tony-winning play of the same name.

Having a fantastic time: Julia and Julianne had plenty to talk about has they strolled through the car park with their hands intertwined

Tasty treat: The stars had been dining at Hal's Bar and Grill and didn't seem too bothered by the rainy weather

Mixing business with pleasure: Julia, Julianne and Ewan looked like they were having a great time on set in Oklahoma last month

And the movie, due for release in 2013, boasts an all-star cast.

Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch and Chris Cooper all appear in the film, as does former Little Miss Sunshine star Abigail Breslin.

Meanwhile, as Julia enjoyed her lunch outing, her niece Emma Roberts was in West Hollywood, getting stuck into her Christmas shopping at camera store Lomography.

Early bird: Meanwhile Julia's niece Emma was in West Hollywood getting stuck into her Christmas shopping