Scarlett Johansson Slams Oscars for Ignoring Avengers: Endgame

Actress Scarlett Johansson, who has earned two Academy Award nominations, expressed her bewilderment about the lack of Oscar recognition for Avengers: Endgame, a film in which she starred as Black Widow. Despite its status as one of the most successful films of all time, the 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster only received a single nomination for visual effects. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson remarked, "How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar? It was an impossible movie that should not have worked, that really works as a film — and also, it's one of the most successful films of all time."

Avengers: Endgame is widely regarded as one of the top offerings from the MCU in recent years. However, the Academy has historically been reluctant to award superhero films in major categories like acting and directing. The only Marvel film to break this trend so far is 2018's Black Panther. Johansson's portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, from her debut in 2010's Iron Man to her poignant death in Endgame, was certainly compelling and award-worthy.

Despite her affection for the role, Johansson indicated to Vanity Fair that she is unlikely to return to the Marvel universe. "It would be very hard for me to understand in what capacity [returning] would make sense for me, for the character that I play," she stated. She emphasized the importance of her character's completed arc, saying, "I miss my buddies and really would love to be with them forever, but what works about the character is that her story is complete. I don’t want to mess with that. For fans, too — it’s important for them."

Following Black Widow's death in Endgame, Johansson reprised her role as Natasha Romanoff in the 2021 prequel film Black Widow, which she also executive produced.