Saturday Night Live has been on air since 2006 and is still going strong. The show is known for its hilarious sketches, celebrity hosts, and iconic catchphrases. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves comedy and pop culture.
The talented Scarlett Johansson is well on her way to becoming an EGOT, with a Tony Award and multiple Oscar nominations under her belt. However, she’s already part of an exclusive group – “Saturday Night Live’s” Five-Timers Club. Since 2006, she has hosted the show six times and even made occasional cameos. She’s essentially part of the SNL family, especially since she’s married to “Weekend Update” anchor Colin Jost, and is always up for anything. Some of her memorable moments include portraying Ivanka Trump in an ad for a perfume called “Complicit,” and playing Natasha Romanoff in a rom-com version of “Black Widow” years before the spinoff was even announced. And who can forget her twisted performance as the mother in “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”? One of her most notable movie roles is in the 2013 film “Under the Skin.”
The movie, Jojo Rabbit (2019), is a unique and captivating film that explores the concept of a “slow burn” in a positive way. Directed by Jonathan Glazer, this sci-fi masterpiece delves into deeper themes surrounding predators and gender through its portrayal of an alien life form. Scarlett Johansson plays the role of a single-minded creature who seduces and kills men, using her eyes and facial expressions to convey a range of emotions. Her performance is reminiscent of the silent film era, adding to the overall mesmerizing experience of the film.
In Taika Waititi’s quirky comedy-drama, ScarJo snagged two nominations for her role as a mother to a young boy in the Hitler Youth whose imaginary friend is none other than Adolf Hitler himself! The film’s surreal style perfectly suits Johansson, who is brilliant as the boy’s strong and affectionate mom. Her character is shrouded in mystery, adding layers of complexity to every scene as she struggles to maintain a patriotic facade while trying to raise her son with empathy. Johansson’s performance is definitely worthy of her Oscar nods.
The actress also wowed audiences in the 2003 indie hit “Lost in Translation.”
The award-winning film directed by Sofia Coppola, featuring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, depicts the story of two lonely individuals who find a connection in a hotel in Tokyo. While Murray’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination and critical acclaim, Johansson’s portrayal as a grounded character is equally important for the success of the film. Their chemistry is remarkable, as they manage to convince the audience that their characters are forming a deep bond despite their contrasting personalities. Their pairing has become a legendary film duo in recent memory. Johansson also starred in the 2019 film “Marriage Story.”
The performance delivered by Scarlett Johansson as Nicole in Noah Baumbach’s movie about marriage and divorce is absolutely flawless. Her acting is so exceptional that it is hard to believe that she was not the only lead actor in the movie, but rather, a supporting cast member to Adam Driver who played Charlie. Johansson’s monologue to her divorce lawyer in the movie is touching and heartfelt, a true testament to her acting prowess. The film’s writing combined with the actors’ performances creates a powerful emotional journey for the viewers, making it difficult to choose sides. In 2016’s Hail, Caesar!, Johansson also delivered an impressive performance.
In the movie industry, Scarlett Johansson’s talent and beauty are highly regarded. She has been cast in a variety of roles, including one in the Coen brothers’ Hollywood comedy set in the 1950s. Even though her role as DeeAnna Moran is brief, she shines as an old-school glamorously comedic star in need of assistance from a fixer portrayed by Josh Brolin. The film features two outstanding scenes, one of which showcases Johansson’s stunning synchronized swimming dance number, while the other is her sweet and amusing meet-cute with co-star Jonah Hill. Before her Oscar-nominated performance in “Jojo Rabbit,” Johansson displayed her acting range and versatility in “The Prestige” (2006).
The movie Her (2013) features one of Scarlett Johansson’s most underrated performances, in the role of a magician’s assistant named Olivia Wenscombe. The movie revolves around Olivia’s romantic relationships with two men, Hugh Jackman’s Robert Angier and Christian Bale’s Alfred Borden. As the plot unfolds, Olivia’s loyalties shift between the two characters, leaving the audience wondering who is conning whom. Scarlett Johansson does an excellent job of bringing Olivia’s character to life, making every twist and turn in the story feel authentic and believable. Despite being overlooked by many, Her (2013) is a must-watch film for any Scarlett Johansson fan.
While Scarlett Johansson doesn’t make an on-screen appearance in Spike Jonze’s futuristic love story, “Her,” her crucial role as the voice of Samantha is undeniable. The artificial intelligence system purchased by Joaquin Phoenix’s character, Theodore Twombly, is brought to life through Johansson’s thoughtful and nuanced performance. Her ability to convey complex emotions and wisdom with just her voice is truly impressive, making her one of Phoenix’s best screen partners despite their lack of physical interaction. Although Johansson wasn’t recognized with an Oscar nomination for her performance, it’s clear that she played an integral part in the success of the film. In contrast, Johansson has appeared on screen in two Avengers movies, “The Avengers” (2012) and “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
If you had to choose Johansson’s top performances as the Black Widow, it might not include her first appearance in “Iron Man 2” or her own movie “Black Widow.” While she shines in both, it’s hard to beat her role in “The Avengers.” Her character starts off as a damsel in distress but quickly reveals herself as a skilled interrogator. She has great chemistry with Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner, showing off both her intelligence and physical prowess. And for a truly emotional moment, her sacrifice in the finale of “Avengers: Infinity War” is unforgettable.
Outside of the superhero world, Johansson’s breakout role came as a teenager in Terry Zwigoff’s “Ghost World.” Playing Rebecca Doppelmeyer in this offbeat depiction of disaffected youth based on a Daniel Clowes comic, she showed off her talent and set the stage for the intriguing roles she would take on in the future.