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

Actress Scarlett Johansson, with two Academy Award nominations to her name, remains puzzled about why Avengers: Endgame, in which she portrayed Black Widow, received only a single Oscar nomination for visual effects. In a candid conversation 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 is widely regarded as one of the pinnacle achievements within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), yet it's a fact that the Academy seldom bestows top honors, such as those in acting and directing categories, on superhero or genre films. The only Marvel movie to break this trend so far 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, certainly stood out as award-worthy.

Despite her commendable performance, Johansson shared with Vanity Fair her reluctance to return to the MCU, saying, "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 further elaborated on her feelings, noting, "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."

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Every MCU Movie Tier List

Following Black Widow's sacrifice in Endgame, Johansson did return to the role one final time. She starred in and also served as an executive producer for the prequel film Black Widow, which was released in 2021.