Actress Scarlett Johansson, known for her two Academy Award nominations, expressed bewilderment over the limited Oscar recognition for Avengers: Endgame, in which she portrayed Black Widow. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson questioned, "How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar?" She highlighted the film's complexity and success, noting, "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 best entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Avengers: Endgame only received a nomination for visual effects, reflecting the Academy's historical reluctance to award superhero films in top 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 widely considered award-worthy.
In the same interview, Johansson also discussed her future with the MCU, expressing doubts about returning. "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 remarked. She emphasized her affection for her co-stars but stressed the importance of a complete narrative arc for her character, 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."
Every MCU Movie Tier List
Every MCU Movie Tier List
Following Black Widow's death in Endgame, Johansson reprised her role as Romanoff in the 2021 prequel film Black Widow, which she also executive produced. This film provided fans with a deeper look into the character's backstory, further cementing Johansson's impactful contribution to the MCU.
