Scarlett Johansson Opens New York Film Festival With ‘Paper Tiger’ Premiere

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
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Scarlett Johansson has been busy this year, juggling multiple productions across various continents. This hectic schedule has become increasingly typical for actors who are balancing prestigious awards-season projects with ongoing film commitments, leaving little time for rest, especially with major premieres on the horizon.

This week, that reality was on full display as James Gray’s crime drama ‘Paper Tiger’ was chosen as the opening night selection for the 64th New York Film Festival on September 25. Johansson returned to New York alongside co-stars Adam Driver and Miles Teller for a glamorous red carpet appearance and a post-screening Q&A at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater.

Johansson arrived directly from an international flight, having just completed another film shoot overseas. She candidly expressed how travel had taken its toll on her, joking, “I’m hallucinating” during the on-stage interview, noting that it was around 5 a.m. her time when they began.

This level of honesty helped set a relaxed atmosphere for an event typically centered around serious awards buzz. ‘Paper Tiger’ first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it was in competition for the Palme d’Or, and has since been positioned by distributor Neon as a significant contender for the upcoming fall awards season.

The film tells the story of two brothers who become embroiled in a Russian mob scheme that initially appears too good to be true, set against the backdrop of Queens in 1986. Teller plays Irwin, an engineer and family man, while Johansson portrays his wife Hester, with Driver completing the main cast.

Before the screening commenced, director James Gray kept his remarks notably brief, humorously reflecting on his film school days. He remarked, “When I was in film school many years ago, students would show their films, and the students that talked the most [before] often made the very worst movies. So I am going to speak very briefly.” He then shared his early aspirations as a filmmaker, recalling how his parents once questioned his career choice.

NYFF artistic director Dennis Lim introduced Gray as one of the great living American filmmakers, emphasizing the significance of ‘Paper Tiger’ as the festival’s opening night feature.

Screenshot 2026 09 22 at 19 15 37 Paper Tiger Rotten Tomatoes

Reviews from the festival have been overwhelmingly positive, with the film receiving accolades for its performances. Critics have mentioned Teller for Best Actor consideration, Driver for Best Supporting Actor, and Johansson for Best Supporting Actress, while Gray is also in the running for both Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

Johansson was accompanied on the red carpet by her husband, ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum Colin Jost, adding a personal touch to an otherwise busy night filled with press events and photo calls. The trio’s chemistry during the Q&A reflected the strong bond they reportedly formed while filming together.

‘Paper Tiger’ is set for a limited theatrical release on November 13, followed by a wider nationwide rollout a week later on November 20. Given its strong debut at Cannes and the positive reception at NYFF, the film seems well-positioned to remain a topic of discussion throughout the awards season.

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