Scarlett Johansson Still Upset Over Avengers: Endgame Oscar Snub; Calls It An “Impossible Movie”

Scarlett Johansson is still disappointed that Avengers: Endgame did not get a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. The actress, who played Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently shared her thoughts in an interview with Vanity Fair. She called the 2019 blockbuster an “impossible movie” that surprised everyone by becoming a huge success.

Avengers: Endgame was the final chapter for many original Avengers, including Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff. The film made $2.79 billion worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing movie ever after Avatar. Despite its massive popularity, it only received one Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects. Johansson believes it deserved more recognition.

“How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar?” Johansson said. “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.”

The Academy Awards have rarely recognized superhero movies in major categories. Only Black Panther (2018) managed to get a Best Picture nomination. Other MCU films, including Endgame, have mostly been nominated for technical awards like Visual Effects. Johansson’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about whether big-budget blockbusters should get more awards attention.

Johansson also talked about her time in the MCU and her character’s fate. Natasha Romanoff died in Endgame while trying to save the universe. The actress has repeatedly said she will not return to the role, as she believes her character’s story is complete.

“It would be very hard for me to understand in what capacity [returning] would make sense for me,” 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.”

Johansson first played Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010) and became a key part of the Avengers team. Her solo movie, Black Widow, was released in 2021 but was set before the events of Endgame. Even though fans keep asking if she will return, Johansson has made it clear that Natasha’s story is over.

“Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. OK?” she told InStyle earlier this year. “They just don’t want to believe it. They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’ Look, I think the balance of the entire universe is held in her hand. We’re going to have to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment.”

The 2020 Oscars had a strong lineup, with Parasite winning Best Picture. Other nominees included 1917, Joker, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Endgame was not among them, which still bothers Johansson. She thinks the film’s commercial success should not stop it from being considered a great movie.

Other filmmakers have shared different views on superhero movies. Martin Scorsese once compared them to “theme parks,” saying they are not real cinema. James Cameron also said he feels “fatigue” from too many superhero films. However, Johansson’s comments show that many people believe these movies deserve more respect.

The MCU continues to expand with new films like The Fantastic Four: The First Steps (2025) and Avengers: Doomsday (2026). Some original Avengers, like Robert Downey Jr., are returning in new roles. But Johansson is moving on, focusing on directing her first film, Eleanor the Great, and acting in Jurassic World Rebirth.

Despite her frustration with the Oscars, Johansson has had her own success at the awards show. In 2020, she was nominated for both Best Actress (Marriage Story) and Best Supporting Actress (Jojo Rabbit). She has also presented at the Oscars, though she recently joked about the 2025 ceremony being too long.

Avengers: Endgame remains a fan favorite, with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It won several other awards, including Saturn Awards and People’s Choice Awards. But for Johansson, the lack of Oscar love still stings.

Credits: Sources include Vanity Fair, Variety, People, Deadline, and The Hollywood Reporter.

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