In 2019, the world of cinema revolved significantly around two major phenomena: the culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s saga with “Avengers: Endgame,” and a profound, more subdued narrative in Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story.” Scarlett Johansson, who graced both films, delivered performances that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning her unprecedented dual nominations at the Oscars. Despite the sweeping success of “Endgame,” which briefly held the title of the highest-grossing film ever, it was “Marriage Story” that showcased Johansson’s acting prowess in a far more impactful manner.
“Marriage Story” not only received critical acclaim but also outstripped the superhero blockbuster in ratings by a slim margin, suggesting a preference for its raw, emotional narrative over high-octane action. Johansson’s portrayal of Nicole Barber, a woman navigating the complexities of an unraveling marriage and a collapsing personal identity, resonated with many who felt it merited Oscar gold.
Fan Outcry Over Johansson’s 2019 Oscar Snub
Amid the glitz and glamour of Oscar season, Scarlett Johansson’s lack of a win for her role in “Marriage Story” was felt deeply by her fans and cinema enthusiasts, who took to various platforms to express their disbelief. A prominent Reddit user, MrBoxOffice007, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly:
“Just watched Marriage Story and how did Scarlett Johansson not win an Oscar for this?!”
The sentiment was echoed across social media, with another user, kylep939, pointing out the overshadowing nature of Laura Dern’s win for the same film:
“Very weird looking back Laura Dern is the one performance that won an Oscar for the movie. Good performance, but I never think of her when I think about the movie.”
This isn’t the first time Johansson has faced an Oscar snub. Despite her roles that consistently draw nominations, including a notable omission for her work in “Lost in Translation,” the Academy has often overlooked her in major categories, much to the chagrin of her supporters.
A Personal Connection: Johansson’s Real-Life Parallel to “Marriage Story”
“Marriage Story” is not just a critical darling but a personal project for both the director and its star. Baumbach has openly admitted to drawing from his own divorce experiences to frame the narrative. Johansson, too, infused her performance with real-life parallels. During an interview with Variety, she revealed that her meeting with Baumbach about the film coincided with her own divorce proceedings:
“I was actually going through a divorce. I didn’t know what we were going to talk about…I just kind of blew into the room, ordered a glass of white wine, and started complaining” about her relationship.
This serendipitous overlap gave Johansson a unique insight and emotional depth to her portrayal of Nicole, enriching her performance with genuine, heartfelt emotion.
In exploring these layers, Johansson not only brought Nicole to life but also highlighted her ability to convey deep vulnerability and strength, making a strong case for what many believed should have been an Oscar-winning performance. The role not only emphasized her versatility as an actress but also her capacity to lead a film that demands a nuanced depiction of personal and relational turmoil.
While “Avengers: Endgame” solidified Scarlett Johansson’s status as a box-office titan, “Marriage Story” underscored her artistic merit, a juxtaposition that defines her career’s dual tracks. As Hollywood continues to evolve and recognize diverse storytelling formats and performances, Johansson’s work in “Marriage Story” remains a testament to her immense talent and a lingering question of an Oscar that many argue was rightfully hers.
