Scarlett Johansson Slams Oscars for Ignoring Avengers: Endgame

Actress Scarlett Johansson, who has earned two Academy Award nominations, expressed her bewilderment over the limited Oscar recognition for Avengers: Endgame, where she portrayed Black Widow. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson questioned the lack of nominations for the 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster, which received only a single nod for visual effects.

"How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar?" Johansson pondered. "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."

Despite Avengers: Endgame being hailed as one of the finest entries in the MCU, the Academy has historically been reluctant to award top honors, such as in acting and directing categories, to superhero films. The only Marvel movie to break this trend significantly is Black Panther from 2018. Johansson's portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, from her debut in Iron Man 2 in 2010 to her poignant death in Endgame, was widely regarded as award-worthy.

However, Johansson also shared with Vanity Fair her doubts about reprising her role as Black Widow. "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 the completeness of her character's 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 demise in Endgame, Johansson returned to the role one last time in the 2021 prequel film Black Widow, which she also executive produced.