Scarlett Johansson Calls Out Oscars For Snubbing Avengers: Endgame: 'It Was An Impossible Film That Shouldn't Have Worked'

Actress Scarlett Johansson, known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has voiced her confusion and disappointment over the lack of Academy Award nominations for the blockbuster film Avengers: Endgame. Despite the film's massive success and critical acclaim, it only secured a single nomination for visual effects at the Oscars.

In a candid 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." Her sentiments highlight the often-overlooked cinematic achievements of superhero films, particularly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Despite the Academy's historical reluctance to nominate genre films for top honors like acting and directing, Johansson's portrayal of Natasha Romanoff from her debut in Iron Man 2 to her poignant death in Avengers: Endgame was widely regarded as award-worthy. However, the only MCU film to receive significant Oscar recognition to date is 2018's Black Panther.

Johansson also shared her thoughts on potentially returning to the MCU, indicating a strong sense of closure with her character. "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 told Vanity Fair. She emphasized the completeness of Natasha Romanoff's story 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 sacrificial death in Avengers: Endgame, Johansson made one final appearance as the character in the 2021 prequel film Black Widow, which she also executive produced. This film provided fans with additional insight into Natasha Romanoff's backstory, offering a fitting farewell to the beloved character.