Scarlett Johansson Embraces Storytelling to Preserve Voices Before They Vanish
Scarlett Johansson revealed at the Cannes Film Festival that she no longer worries about fading away as an actor. However, as a director, she feels a deep responsibility to tell stories that might otherwise be lost over time.
Having started her career as a child in 1998’s The Horse Whisperer, the 40-year-old actress was at Cannes to both act and present her directorial debut, Eleanor The Great.
The film’s lead, 95-year-old June Squibb, received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a grief-stricken retiree in New York who adopts the personal story of her late best friend, a Holocaust survivor.
Johansson emphasized the importance of sharing such narratives, stating, “In a time where we grapple constantly with who has the right to tell someone else’s story, we also have to face the fact that the stories have to be told. Or else they disappear.”
Johansson also shared her personal connection to the film’s themes of Jewish identity, stemming from her upbringing in New York City and family experiences.
Squibb praised Johansson’s directing skills, highlighting the comfort actors feel working under a director who understands the craft firsthand. “I’ve worked with some wonderful directors, but none of them have the acting knowledge that this one has,” she expressed. “It’s wonderful because you can relax; there’s no pressure.”
The veteran actress, known for her Oscar-nominated role in Nebraska (2013) and her recent performance in Thelma (2024), reflected on the art of acting. “We’re all trying to do it right… You get another chance to do that—if you can keep working,” Squibb remarked.
Aside from her directorial debut, Johansson also made an appearance on the Cannes red carpet as part of the cast of Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, a contender for the prestigious Palme d’Or award.
