Hollywood A-lister Scarlett Johansson has spoken out critically against the Academy Awards for what she sees as an ongoing disregard for blockbuster cinema—especially Avengers: Endgame, in which she played a central role. In a revealing interview with Vanity Fair, the Oscar-nominated actress didn’t hold back, reflecting on the film’s Oscar snub, her farewell to the Marvel universe, and the controversial 2025 Oscars broadcast.
“How Did This Film Not Get Nominated?” – Johansson on Avengers: Endgame’s Oscar Snub
Scarlett Johansson expressed deep disappointment that 2019’s Avengers: Endgame was shut out from major Academy Award categories, including Best Picture. Despite the film’s global success, critical acclaim, and emotional storytelling, it only received a single Oscar nomination—for Best Visual Effects—and ultimately lost to 1917.
“How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar?” Johansson asked rhetorically during her interview. “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, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, concluded the Infinity Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at the global box office at the time of its release, with over $2.79 billion earned worldwide. Despite these achievements, the Academy did not recognize the film in any major category, sparking criticism from fans and now from Johansson herself.
The only Marvel film to break into the Best Picture category remains 2018’s Black Panther, which secured seven Oscar nominations and won three. Johansson noted this inconsistency and suggested the Oscars have yet to fully embrace the cultural and technical achievements of superhero films.
A Definitive Goodbye to Black Widow
Johansson also reflected on her iconic role as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, a character she played across nine films over more than a decade. Her character’s death in Endgame marked a powerful and emotional moment that symbolized the end of her journey in the MCU.
Despite fan hopes for a possible return—through multiverse storylines or prequels—Johansson made it clear that she considers her Marvel chapter closed.
“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 said. “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.”
She did return once more for 2021’s Black Widow, a prequel that was delayed and ultimately released on Disney+ during the pandemic. Though the film received positive reception, it marked the official end of her MCU run.
Johansson Critiques 2025 Oscars Ceremony: “Why Was It So Long?”
The actress also took aim at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, questioning its length and calling out what she felt were unnecessary or awkward segments.
“Why was it so long?” Johansson asked, echoing sentiments shared widely on social media. “Movies are so long now—they’re too long, don’t you think so? It feels like a chore.”
One segment in particular drew her ire: the James Bond tribute. The tribute featured performances by Raye, Lisa (of BLACKPINK), and Doja Cat, along with a dance routine from actress Margaret Qualley. Though it was meant to honor the legacy of the Bond franchise, many viewers, including Johansson, found it odd and out of place.
When Vanity Fair suggested the segment bloated the ceremony’s runtime, Johansson quipped, “No comment. It felt like an ad placement. What a weird thing. People were like, ‘What the hell was that?’”
Critics also panned the tribute on social media for feeling more like a branded commercial than a meaningful celebration of cinema. The musical performances were not tied to any specific anniversary or new Bond film announcement, further fueling confusion. Raye, one of the performers, later defended the segment, saying: “I tried my very best,” amid the backlash.
Directorial Debut: Eleanor the Great Premieres at Cannes
Shifting her focus from acting to directing, Johansson’s latest project is the deeply personal drama Eleanor the Great, which will have its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
The film stars 94-year-old June Squibb, best known for her Oscar-nominated role in Nebraska. In Eleanor the Great, Squibb plays an elderly woman who reinvents herself by moving from Florida to New York City. Johansson described the film as a passion project, one she has been nurturing for years.
“Directing has always been something I’ve been drawn to,” Johansson told Vanity Fair. “This story in particular felt like the right one for my first time behind the camera.”
Eleanor the Great is produced by Johansson’s company These Pictures and co-financed by A24, a studio known for supporting unique voices in independent cinema.
Upcoming Role in Jurassic World Rebirth
In addition to her directorial debut, Johansson is also starring in Jurassic World Rebirth, a new installment in the blockbuster dinosaur franchise. Directed by Rogue One’s Gareth Edwards, the film is set for release in summer 2025 and marks Johansson’s first foray into the Jurassic universe—a franchise she admitted she’s wanted to be part of for years.
“It’s been a dream of mine. I remember seeing Jurassic Park in theaters as a kid and being completely in awe,” Johansson said. “So when the opportunity came, I said yes immediately.”
The film is expected to be a soft reboot, introducing new characters while continuing the storyline established in the previous trilogy.
Scarlett Johansson’s Ongoing Influence in Hollywood
Between her candid criticism of the Oscars, her thoughtful departure from the MCU, and her transition into directing, Johansson continues to shape Hollywood not just as an actress, but as a creator and cultural voice.
Her critique of how genre films are treated by award bodies adds to a growing conversation in the industry about the evolving definitions of “prestige” and artistic value. As blockbuster films increasingly merge technical achievement with emotional storytelling, many believe it’s time for institutions like the Academy to evolve as well.
Johansson’s stance is likely to resonate with fans, especially those who view films like Endgame not just as entertainment, but as cinematic landmarks. And as she carves out her next chapter in directing and producing, it’s clear she’s not afraid to challenge norms and push the industry forward.
