Scarlett Johansson Criticizes 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, in which she portrayed Black Widow. 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."

Despite being hailed as one of the finest entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Avengers: Endgame only received a nomination for visual effects in 2019. The Academy has historically overlooked superhero and genre films for top honors such as acting and directing. Notably, the only Marvel film to secure a nomination in a major category was Black Panther in 2018. Johansson's performance as Natasha Romanoff, from her debut in Iron Man 2 to her poignant end in Endgame, was widely regarded as award-worthy.

In the same interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson indicated that she is unlikely to reprise her role in the MCU. She stated, "It would be very hard for me to understand in what capacity [returning] would make sense for me, for the character that I play. 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 for the prequel film Black Widow in 2021, which she also executive produced. This allowed fans to see more of Natasha Romanoff's story and provided closure to her arc within the MCU.