Scarlett Johansson, with her two Academy Award nominations, remains puzzled as to why "Avengers: Endgame," in which she portrayed Black Widow, didn't garner more than a single nomination for visual effects. In a candid conversation with Vanity Fair, Johansson expressed her bewilderment about the 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster. "How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar?" she questioned. "It was an impossible movie that should not have worked, yet it 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 premier entries in the MCU catalog in recent years. However, the Academy has traditionally been reluctant to award top honors, such as those in acting and directing, to films within the superhero genre. The sole Marvel film to break this trend so far has been 2018's "Black Panther." Despite this, Johansson's portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, from her debut in "Iron Man 2" in 2010 to her poignant demise in "Endgame," was undeniably worthy of recognition.
During her interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson also expressed doubts about returning to the Marvel universe. "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 elaborated. Her sentiments underscore a respect for the completeness of her character's arc. "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 sacrifice in "Endgame," Johansson reprised her role as Natasha Romanoff in the 2021 prequel "Black Widow," a film she also executive produced. This return provided fans with one last adventure with the beloved character, solidifying her legacy within the MCU.
