Scarlett Johansson on Her Recent Lifetime Achievement Award: ‘Wait, Am I Done?’
Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson is at the top of her game. But the actor recently admitted that a new honor made her question that. To clarify, she spoke out about her American Cinematheque Award and expressed surprise that she’s already reached that point. Here’s what Johansson said about the milestone.
American Cinematheque honored Scarlett Johansson with their lifetime achievement award
On November 18, 2021, American Cinematheque honored the career of Scarlett Johansson. Furthermore, she appeared on the red carpet for the first time in quite a while. She gave birth to her first child with husband Colin Jost in August of 2021.
But it’s not the milestone that takes Johannson aback. At the event, she told E! News that she wondered if the honor means her career is over.
“I thought, ‘Wait, am I done? Is this over for me?'” she laughed of the award. “I thought this was the end of something, and now I’m realizing it’s the middle, and that’s OK.”
That much is indeed true. Johansson’s career, though long and distinguished, appears to be at its apex.
She starred opposite Adam Driver in 2019’s Marriage Story, for which she picked up an Oscar nomination. Moreover, she starred in Jojo Rabbit the same year — and likewise picked up another Oscar nomination for that role.
Her personal life is similarly rosy. After marrying Saturday Night Live star Jost, she had son Cosmo amid the opening of Marvel’s iconic Black Widow.
“I have two wonderful children and I think it’s really important for both of them to see their parents are fulfilled and that are doing the work that they love and are following their dreams and are passionate about what they do,” Johansson told the site. “I think that’s really meaningful for them.”
Scarlett Johansson settled a lawsuit with Disney over her ‘Black Widow’ paycheck
The Scarlett Johansson award comes following the conclusion of Johansson’s breach of contract lawsuit against Disney. The actor claimed that the studio shortchanged her to the tune of $50 million by simultaneously releasing the movie via streaming platform Disney+ and in theaters.
Johansson’s original contract was based on box office performance, so pay-per-view sales of the film excluded money she claimed she was entitled to.
The highly publicized case saw Disney accusing Johansson of being “callous” in the face of the pandemic, and Johansson allies accusing the studio of “misogynist” rhetoric directed at her.
They ultimately settled out of court on undisclosed terms in late September of 2021.
The ‘Lucy’ star said she’s been ‘very, very fortunate‘ before accepting the award
Whether or not her career is “finished,” Johansson admits that she’s had a remarkable go of it so far. Moreover, she says she’s been extremely fortunate in the work she’s done.
“I really have been very, very fortunate to have worked with some of my most favorite filmmakers,” she told E! News on the awards red carpet. “I think I’m most proud of those creative, collaborative situations. I’ve had incredible co-stars. I just feel very lucky to love my job and love what I do and still have a passion for it.”
Johansson additionally said she enjoys producing. “But I have to say producing is very rewarding,” she continued.
In short, it doesn’t look like Scarlett Johansson’s career is anywhere near “done.”
