Scarlett Johansson has expressed her frustration at Avengers: Endgame not receiving more recognition from The Oscars, feeling that financial success shouldn’t hinted awards prospects.
The star, who is a two time Academy Award nominee, played a vital part in the 2019 spectacular, which was thew conclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga of films. The film was a historic success, making $2.7billion (£2.1billion) and remains the second most successful film of all time, behind 2009’s Avatar.
While the film was nominated for its special effects, it was snubbed for Best Picture or any of the acting categories.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Johansson expressed her disbelief at the perceived oversight. “How did this film not get nominated for an Oscar?” she said, referring to Best Picture. “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”.
While Titanic, which was formerly the highest-grossing film of all time, did win Best Picture and Best Director at the 1998 awards, the Oscars have historically favoured arthouse films over commercially successful movies. Films such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Back To The Future, and Jaws all won awards for their effects, but missed out on Best Picture despite latterly being considered some of the best films of all time.
Elsewhere in the interview, Johansson talked about how action films can be creatively fulfilling, as she promotes her new blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth, in cinemas July 2. “Terminator 2 is one of the best movies ever made,” she said, citing its “fresh ideas and great nostalgic elements that play well together. It’s about mindfulness and not being lazy”.
In March, Scarlett Johansson talked about her rule of not taking photos with people outside of promotional events, saying: “I don’t want to be identified as being in this time and place with you”.