Scarlett Johansson still can’t wrap her head around the Oscars snubbing Avengers: Endgame for Best Picture.
The actress, who played Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow), opened up to Vanity Fair about her confusion over the 2019 blockbuster being passed over in major Academy Award categories.
“How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar?” she asked, still baffled years later.
It’s a fair question. Avengers: Endgame smashed box office records, became a cultural phenomenon, and tied together over a decade of interconnected Marvel stories. Sure, it scored a nomination for Best Visual Effects, but Johansson argues the film deserved much more.
“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,” she said.
Johansson isn’t wrong. Endgame was the highest-grossing film worldwide until it was briefly overtaken by Avatar after a re-release. The movie had critical acclaim, emotional payoffs, and a scale few films ever reach. Despite all that, the Academy mostly ignored it-a decision that still puzzles both fans and insiders.
While Johansson has a deep connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she’s made it clear she’s unlikely to return as Black Widow. Her character’s arc wrapped up in the 2021 solo movie Black Widow, but it’s the connections she built on set that she misses the most.
“I miss my buddies and really would love to be with them forever,” she said. “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.”
Meanwhile, Disney and Marvel are shifting their strategy. CEO Bob Iger recently admitted the company leaned too hard into pumping out content for Disney+, sacrificing quality in the process. That era is coming to an end.
Speaking on a recent investor call, Iger said, “We all know that in our zeal to flood our streaming platform with more content, that we turned to all of our creative engines, including Marvel… Quantity does not necessarily beget quality.”
Now, Marvel is regrouping. Iger pointed to the upcoming Thunderbolts film as a fresh start, calling it the “first and best example” of Marvel’s new direction. The movie stars Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, and others-a mix of familiar faces and new energy.
Marvel’s golden run from Iron Man in 2008 to Endgame in 2019 may never be replicated, but lessons have been learned. Iger admits the studio “lost a little focus,” but insists that by slowing down and refocusing on quality films, Marvel can bounce back.
One thing’s clear: the impact of Avengers: Endgame still looms large, and Scarlett Johansson, like many fans, thinks the Oscars should’ve given it more credit.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
