Actress Scarlett Johansson, who has earned two Academy Award nominations, expressed her bewilderment regarding the lack of Oscar recognition for Avengers: Endgame. Despite starring as Black Widow in the 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster, the film only secured a single nomination for visual effects. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson questioned, “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 finest entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in recent years. However, the Academy has historically been reluctant to award top honors, such as those in the acting and directing categories, to films within the superhero genre. The notable exception is 2018's Black Panther, the only Marvel film to receive such nominations. Johansson's portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, from her debut in Iron Man 2 in 2010 to her poignant death in Endgame, was certainly worthy of recognition.

Despite her attachment to the character, Johansson revealed to Vanity Fair that she is unlikely to return to the Marvel universe. She stated, “It would be very hard for me to understand in what capacity [returning] would make sense for me, for the character that I play.” Johansson emphasized the importance of respecting the completeness of Natasha Romanoff's 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.”

Every MCU Movie Tier List

Every MCU Movie Tier List

Following Black Widow's demise in Endgame, Johansson reprised her role as Romanoff in the 2021 prequel film Black Widow, which she also executive produced. This allowed fans to see more of the beloved character's story, albeit in a different timeline.