Scarlett Johansson Turns Heads in Plunging Black Dress and Smoky Eyes at Golden Heart Awards

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The actress, 38, was honored for her nonprofit work at the event in New York City on Monday

Scarlett Johansson is speaking out about helping those in need.

The actress, 38, discussed her passion for philanthropy and her own struggling childhood as she was honored at the God's Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards in New York City on Monday.

Johansson made a chic appearance at the event — where she was honored for her work with the nonprofit — as she wore a plunging black Michael Kors dress and a matching black smoky eye.

The Asteroid City star shared her gratitude for being honored in a speech as she spoke about working with God’s Love We Deliver, which provides nutritious meals to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses.

<p>Zuma / SplashNews</p> Scarlett Johansson attends the Golden Heart Awards 2023

Zuma / SplashNews

Scarlett Johansson attends the Golden Heart Awards 2023

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“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to witness firsthand the power of philanthropy and activism, and the work of God's Love We deliver is no exception,” Johansson said. “Their mission to alleviate hunger and provide nourishment encompasses so much more than just physical sustenance. It's about offering support, love, and a sense of dignity during life's most challenging moments."

<p>Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images</p>

Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

In her speech, the actress opened up about being raised on food stamps as a child as her family struggled to get by.

“As a child living in New York, my family was dependent on food stamps, hot lunch programs, and government aid to support our household of four children," Johansson continued. “And as someone who's experienced food insecurity firsthand, I understand the devastating impact it has.”

<p>Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Air Mail/Warner Brothers Discovery</p> Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival

Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Air Mail/Warner Brothers Discovery

Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival

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The actress said the organization “holds a special place in my heart” as a New Yorker and praised volunteers working for the nonprofit.

“The struggle to put food on the table can lead to immense hardship and despair and a loss of hope. But organizations like God's Love We Deliver, offer a lifeline to those in need,” Johansson said. “They go beyond providing meals by connecting individuals with resources, creating community support networks, and advocating for long-term solutions to address systemic issues of poverty.”

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Outside of her philanthropic work, the Black Widow star spoke about her life raising two-year-old son Cosmo, whom she shares with Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost.

"I think the 'Terrible Twos' are more like tackling me!” Johansson joked to Entertainment Tonight about the relatable challenges of parenting children at that age. “Like, actually physically tackling me," she added.

The mom of two — who also shares 9-year-old daughter Rose Dorothy with ex-husband Romain Dauriac — also shared her excitement at husband Jost, 41, returning to the SNL writers’ room following the end of the writers’ strike last month. 

“They've been like desperate to get back to work doing what they love,” Johansson told ET. "It's definitely an adjustment in the household. That schedule is so crazy. But it's always exciting to see those guys. They're incredible, and we need them now more than ever."

Other stars in attendance at the awards event included Matt Damon, Rupert Friend, Neil Patrick Harris, Nicky Hilton, Nicole Ari Parker and Julianna Margulies.

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