Scarlett Johansson Slams Oscars for Ignoring Avengers: Endgame: 'An Impossible Film'

Actress Scarlett Johansson has earned two Academy Award nominations, yet she remains puzzled about the limited recognition received by Avengers: Endgame, in which she portrayed Black Widow. Despite the film's massive success and critical acclaim, it only secured a single nomination for visual effects at the Oscars.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson expressed her bewilderment, stating, "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, released in 2019 as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is widely regarded as one of the franchise's standout achievements. However, the Academy has historically been reluctant to award top honors like those for acting and directing to superhero films. The only Marvel movie to break this trend so far is 2018's Black Panther. Johansson's performance as Natasha Romanoff, from her debut in 2010's Iron Man to her poignant demise in Endgame, was certainly noteworthy and could have been considered award-worthy.

Despite her affection for the role, Johansson indicated to Vanity Fair that she is unlikely to return to the MCU. She explained, "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 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. This film allowed fans to delve deeper into the character's backstory and provided a fitting tribute to Romanoff's legacy within the MCU.