Making “Johansson” A Household Name
Born November 1984 to a Jewish mother and Danish father, Scarlett Johansson made her big screen debut at just 9 years old. After starring in Rob Reiner’s fantasy-comedy North, the budding actress quickly gained more supporting roles. In only her third film, Scarlett was nominated for Best Lead Female at the Independent Spirit Awards for her work in Lisa Kruger’s Manny & Lo. After several other small roles, Scarlett gained widespread attention for her performance in Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer in 1998. Although the role granted her a Chicago Film Critics Association nomination for Most Promising Actress, it wasn’t until her break out role in 2001′s Ghost World that audiences really started to take notice of the young and talented beauty. Scarlett finally won an award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in Ghost World.
The Climb – A Woody Allen Favorite
As time moved on, so did Johansson; the actress was ready to take on meatier roles. She starred in Lost in Translation and Girl With a Pearl Earring in 
2003. Directed by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation was a real turning point in Johansson’s career as she played the curious Charlotte. Although only 18 at the time, Scarlett’s great poise and maturity helped her convincingly portray a 25 year old opposite established actor, Bill Murray.
In the following year, Johansson starred in the teen heist film, The Perfect Score. Despite a fun and good looking cast, the movie was terrible at best. But the failed flick was no setback for Johansson, continuing to star in several films per year. In 2005 Scarlett starred in the Woody Allen film, Match Point. Playing femme-fatal Nola Rice, ScarJo really proved her staying power in Hollywood. In a sort of love trapezoid, Nola manages to help introduce themes of chance and fate into her web of seduction. While this film slipped under the radar, it’s definitely an intriguing romance-drama for fans who want a love story with a little something extra.
Collaborating with Woody Allen again, Scarlett starred in 2006′s Scoop, opposite Hugh Jackman. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, Johansson began forming friendships with all the right people. Starring alongside, once again, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale in The Prestige, Scarlett gained recognition for focus and dedication when working with director Christopher Nolan.
In 2008, Johansson starred in the novel turned film, The Other Boleyn Girl, opposite Natalie Portman and Eric Bana. Although the 16th century set film received mixed reviews from critics, it’s definitely worth a watch. If Johansson and Portman starring as sisters fighting for the King’s love isn’t enough to intrigue you, let me mention that the entire cast delivers a dynamic performance.
Starring in her third Woody Allen film, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Johansson finally received appraisal from the critics. In fact, the film was one of Allen’s most profitable and appeared on many critics’ list of 2008′s top films.
From Kick Ass Russian Spy to Tony Award Winning Actress
Since 2008, Johansson’s career has taken off with bigger and better roles. In 2009 she was apart of the all-star cast for He’s Just Not That Into You, and in 2010 made her first appearance as Black Widow in Iron Man 2. Instead of opting for several films per year, Scarlett seems to be more substantial roles as she heads toward her 30′s.
But movies aren’t Scarlett’s only passion. In 2009, Johansson made her Broadway debut in the drama A View From The Bridge for which she won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. Not only can Scarlett perform under the stress of a feature film, but also succeeds as a live performer, where there are no cuts or edits.
Currently, Scarlett has several films in the works including Sascha Gervasi’s Hitchcock and Joseph Gordon-Levitts directorial debut Don Jon’s Addiction. Time and time again, Scarlett proves that she is not just a beautiful face, but a very talented actress. It’s no wonder why the girls want to be her and the guys want to date her.
Scarlett Johansson’s Filmography/Upcoming Films:
- Don Jon’s Addiction (2013)
- Hitchcock (2013)
- Under the Skin (2012)
- The Avengers (2012)
- We Bought A Zoo (2011)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
- The Spirit (2008)
- Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)
- The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
- The Nanny Diaries (2007)
- The Prestige (2006)
- The Black Dahlia (2006)
- The Scoop (2006)
- The Island (2005)
- Match Point (2005)
- In Good Company (2005)
- A Good Woman (2004)
- A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004)
- The Perfect Score (2004)
- Girl with a Pearl Earring (2004)
- Lost in Translation (2003)
- Eight Legged Freaks (2002)
- An American Rhapsody (2001)
- Ghost World (2001)
- The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)
- My Brother the Pig (1999)
- The Horse Whisperer (1998)
- Home Alone 3 (1997)
- Fall (1997)
- If Lucy Fell (1996)
- Manny & Lo (1996)
- Just Cause (1995)
- North (1994)
Scarlett Johansson in ‘A View From the Bridge’
Scarlett Johansson Talks Black Widow
