Actress Scarlett Johansson, known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has expressed her surprise and disappointment that "Avengers: Endgame" did not receive more Academy Award nominations. Despite the film's monumental success and critical acclaim, it only secured a nomination for visual effects at the 2020 Oscars. Johansson, who has earned two Academy Award nominations herself, voiced her bewilderment in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, stating, “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.”

While "Avengers: Endgame" is widely regarded as one of the finest entries in the MCU, the Academy has historically been reluctant to award top honors like acting and directing to films within the superhero genre. The only Marvel film to break this trend so far has been "Black Panther" in 2018. Johansson's portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, from her debut in "Iron Man 2" in 2010 to her poignant end in "Endgame," was considered by many to be worthy of recognition.

Despite her deep connection to the character, Johansson has indicated that she is unlikely to return to the MCU. In her conversation with Vanity Fair, she explained, “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 emphasized the importance of her character's completed 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.”

Following Natasha Romanoff's death in "Endgame," Johansson did reprise her role in the 2021 prequel film "Black Widow," which she also executive produced. This film provided fans with a deeper look into Romanoff's backstory and served as a fitting tribute to the character's journey within the MCU.