The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago brought actress Scarlett Johansson for a celebration on June 30 at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.
The annual fundraising event had perfect timing, as Johansson made national news that day as Hollywood's top-grossing actress. Windy City Times asked what her splurge item would be now that she makes the big bucks and she exclaimed, "Hamilton ticketsthe price has skyrocketed since I first saw it!"
Making more than 3 billion dollars in movie money over the years is no small feat, but Johansson appeared very down to earth strolling down the red carpet before dinner. She chatted about relationships she has portrayed in various parts, saying her most complicated has been on Broadway's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She confessed she would like to be in a relationship with Helen Mirren for a part in the future. When questioned about her bisexual turn in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, she said, "Love is love is love. For me, it was interesting to play a character that has a dynamic relationship with somebody else."
She talked about working with Woody Allen in that movie and Match Point: "He knows what he wants but sometimes it is a puzzle to find out what that is."
Diversity was highlighted throughout the evening by Johansson in the parts and opportunities she has been given.
Black Widow, she stated, was a favorite role of hers to play in the Marvel franchise. "It has been an interesting journey to take a character and grow it over these years while peeling back the layers. It's not a bad company to be in with those boys … and, now, girlsthank God!"
Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper hosted a Q$A session while attendees watched from nearby tables. When Roeper mentioned the actress' Chicago connection as Home Alone 3 she joked with, "Thanks for mentioning that tidbit of my career, Dick!"
WCT congratulated her on receiving the GSFC Renaissance Award and asked if she would like a Grammy for singing. "I would like a Grammy for spoken word," she responded. When WCT suggested the movie Her for that award, she said, "I need to get my publicists on that!"
As far as future endeavors, Johansson mentioned she'll start filming a female-comedian project in a month, adding that she's very excited about that.
Visit SiskelFilmCenter.org for information on the current schedule and future events.
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn