Scarlett REALLY wants an Oscar [nomination]

She's came oh-so-close back in 2003 when she had both Lost in Translation AND Girl with a Pearl Earring in place, probably resulting in a split vote leading to Samantha Morton getting a nomination. And then in 2005 she was a lot of people's "can't miss" nomination for Best Supporting Actress playing Woody Allen's where-for-art-thou-lady-luck-fatale in the supurb Match Point, before she fell off the rader. I personally thought they were all good perfs, and she was Golden Globe nominated for all three (and another for 2004's A Love Song for Bobby Long, unseen by me). And now with The Black Dahlia fumbling, plus The Prestige looking more like an entertaining-popcorn-movie-with-oscarable-techs than a lets-nominate-scarjo moment, she really wants an Oscar. And her mother is gonna help her.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) -
Scarlett Johansson will return to the past again in "Mary Queen of Scots."

The actress will take on the role of Queen Mary of Scotland in the film depicting the antagonistic relationship between Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I of England, who tried to undermine her rule.

The search for a director is underway. Shooting is expected to begin by the end of summer 2007. The budget of the independently financed film is expected to be in the $25 million-$30 million range. Melanie Johansson -- the actress' mother and manager -- will serve as a producer.

Johansson, in theaters with the 1940s film noir "The Black Dahlia," is filming another period piece, "The Other Boleyn Girl," for Columbia Pictures. She next appears in the magician saga "The Prestige," which Disney will release October 20.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

There's been a lot of Elizabeth I lately, so thankfully Scarlett isn't playing her. But, do you know who Scarlett reminds me of...?

LAUREN BACALL.

Maybe it's just the whole younger-sex-kitten thing, but I totally see it. They both ooze sexuality (or, Lauren did when she was younger). Thing is, Lauren didn't receive an Oscar nomination until she was 73 years old. So... uh, Scarlett may have to wait a while*

*I actually think Scarlett will get a nomination soon, it's just a matter of having the right part. I still love ya, Scarlett! And my god, you look gorgeous in this picture from the Venice Film Festival. Astonishing.