In 2009, Nora Ephron's film 'Julie & Julia' premiered, starring Meryl Streep as "Julia Child" and Amy Adams as "Julie Powell". The film highlighted Child's life and her impact on aspiring cook Powell. Streep's portrayal earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination.

Powell later described Child's television role as "magical" and groundbreaking. "Her voice and her attitude and her playfullness ... it's just magical," Powell said. "And you can't fake that; you can't take classes to learn how to be wonderful. She just wanted to entertain and educate people at the same time. Our food culture is the better for it. Our stomachs are the better for it."

Child's legacy endures through her cookbooks and her syndicated cooking show. On August 15, 2012, which would have been her 100th birthday, restaurants across the country celebrated Julia Child Restaurant Week, featuring her recipes on their menus.