Scarlett Johansson’s triumph at the Rome Film Festival raised eyebrows, not for her on-screen presence, but for her captivating voice performance in the film “Her” directed by Spike Jonze.
The controversy ignited after Johansson was awarded the “Best Actress” accolade on November 17 during the festival’s eighth edition in 2013.

This unprecedented win sparked public debate as Johansson’s role in “Her” was solely vocal, portraying an advanced virtual assistant named Samantha.
The movie centers on Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, a lonely writer navigating through a divorce who finds solace in his interactions with Samantha.

Despite not physically appearing in the film, Johansson’s nuanced voice breathes life into Samantha, evoking a range of emotions.
Even without watching the film, audiences were entranced by the trailer, featuring Johansson’s voice intertwined with Karen O’s melodic score, conjuring images of an ideal companion.
However, awarding an acting accolade solely for vocal performance raised eyebrows among industry observers.

Critics, including prominent voices from Italy, labeled the decision “collective madness against cinema,” highlighting the unconventional nature of honoring an actor for a non-visual role.
Despite the criticism, Johansson’s gracious response, expressed through a message acknowledging the judges’ decision, maintained decorum amidst the controversy.
The film’s producer, Megan Ellison, announced plans for an Oscars campaign, aiming to nominate Johansson for Best Supporting Actress—a testament to the impact of her voice performance and the boundary-pushing nature of the Rome Film Festival’s decision.

The festival’s bold move to recognize Johansson’s vocal talent garnered attention, fueling discussions about the festival’s ambitions to rival established events like the Toronto and Turin Film Festivals.
Despite the controversy, the festival saw a 20% increase in ticket sales, reflecting its growing influence in the international film circuit.
While the Rome Film Festival has yet to address the backlash, the decision to honor Johansson underscores its willingness to take risks to elevate its profile in the competitive landscape of global cinema events.
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