Why Didn’t Scarlett Johansson Win an Oscar for Marriage Story? Fans Still Wonder

Why Didn’t Scarlett Johansson Win an Oscar for Marriage Story? Fans Still Wonder

As a devoted cinephile who has witnessed Scarlett Johansson‘s mesmerizing journey through the silver screen, I can confidently assert that her performance in “Marriage Story” was nothing short of Oscar-worthy. The emotional depth and raw vulnerability she brought to the table were truly breathtaking, a testament to her unparalleled talent and versatility as an actress.


2019 saw two major cinematic events dominating the scene: the conclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “Avengers: Endgame,” and Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” offering a poignant, introspective narrative. Scarlett Johansson, who starred in both films, delivered captivating performances that struck a chord with viewers and critics, even securing her a unique double nomination at the Oscars. While “Endgame,” which temporarily claimed the title of the highest-earning film, enjoyed widespread success, it was “Marriage Story” that provided a more significant platform for Johansson to display her acting talents.

Why Didn’t Scarlett Johansson Win an Oscar for Marriage Story? Fans Still Wonder

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about “Marriage Story.” This film not only garnered critical praise but managed to edge out a popular superhero blockbuster in ratings – a testament to the audience’s preference for its raw, emotionally-charged narrative over high-octane action. Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Nicole Barber, a woman grappling with the intricacies of a crumbling marriage and shattering self-identity, struck a chord with many viewers, leaving them feeling that her performance deserved an Oscar.

Fan Outcry Over Johansson’s 2019 Oscar Snub

During the dazzling Oscar season, the absence of a win for Scarlett Johansson in “Marriage Story” was keenly felt by her supporters and film aficionados, who vocalized their astonishment across numerous platforms. A notable Reddit user, MrBoxOffice007, aptly summed up this sentiment:

“Just watched Marriage Story and how did Scarlett Johansson not win an Oscar for this?!”

On social media, many voices agreed with the sentiment. User kylep939 specifically noted that Laura Dern’s award for the same movie seemed to overshadow other aspects or contributors.

Laura Dern’s peculiar performance was the one that earned an Oscar for the film. It was a great performance, nonetheless, it’s not typically the one that comes to mind when I recall the movie.

On various occasions, Johansson hasn’t been recognized by the Oscars. Despite her performances that regularly garner nominations, such as the one for “Lost in Translation,” which was surprisingly left out, the Academy has frequently failed to acknowledge her in significant categories, causing disappointment among her fans.

Why Didn’t Scarlett Johansson Win an Oscar for Marriage Story? Fans Still Wonder

A Personal Connection: Johansson’s Real-Life Parallel to “Marriage Story”

The movie “Marriage Story” holds a special significance for both its director and lead actor, as it’s not only acclaimed critically but also a deeply personal endeavor. Director Noah Baumbach has confessed that he used his own divorce experiences to shape the storyline. Similarly, Scarlett Johansson imbued her performance with authenticity by drawing from real-life parallels. In an interview with Variety, Johansson disclosed that her discussion about the film with Baumbach happened concurrently with her own divorce proceedings.

The unexpected coincidence provided Johansson with a distinct perspective and profound emotional layer for her characterization of Nicole, adding authentic, sincere emotion to her act.

Through delving into these various layers, Johansson breathed life into Nicole and showcased her talent for portraying profound vulnerability and strength. This performance was so powerful that it strongly argued for an Oscar nomination. Moreover, this role underscored her versatility as an actress and ability to handle complex narratives involving personal and interpersonal struggles.

Why Didn’t Scarlett Johansson Win an Oscar for Marriage Story? Fans Still Wonder

Scarlett Johansson’s role in “Avengers: Endgame” cemented her position as a blockbuster queen, but her performance in “Marriage Story” highlighted her artistic prowess, creating a contrast that symbolizes the two paths of her career. As Hollywood progresses and values diverse narratives and acting skills, Johansson’s work in “Marriage Story” serves as proof of her remarkable talent and raises the question of an Oscar that some believe she truly deserved.

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2024-09-12 18:25