The Super Bowl is as famous for its commercials as it is for football, and every year, fans eagerly wait to see which ads will leave them laughing, crying, or talking the next morning. In 2024, one of the biggest surprises came from M&M’s, which teamed up with NFL legends Dan Marino, Terrell Owens, Bruce Smith — and none other than Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson. The result? A hilarious, self-aware commercial about “almost winning” that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

The concept of the commercial was brilliant in its simplicity. It centered on the idea of coming so close to victory but never quite reaching the top — a universal feeling that even the biggest stars have experienced. Marino, the Miami Dolphins legend, is still remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks to play without ever winning a Super Bowl. Terrell Owens, despite his stellar career, faced constant questions about what could have been. Bruce Smith, a Hall of Fame defensive end, holds the NFL record for most sacks but never took home the Lombardi Trophy. These football icons know the sting of being “almost” on top.

And then there was Scarlett Johansson. Unlike the others, she isn’t known for sports, but for her incredible acting career — and her own string of “almost” moments. Johansson has been nominated for Academy Awards, but the elusive golden statue has remained just out of reach. In the commercial, she hilariously plays along, standing shoulder to shoulder with these NFL greats as they all laugh about their near-victories.

What made the ad work so well was its mix of humor and relatability. Everyone has experienced moments of being “so close” to achieving something big, whether in sports, work, or life. By putting legendary athletes and a global superstar like Johansson in the same category of “almost winners,” M&M’s cleverly turned disappointment into comedy.

But Johansson didn’t just appear — she stole the show. While Marino, Owens, and Smith delivered their lines with self-deprecating charm, Scarlett leaned into her role with a wink that had audiences buzzing. At one point in the commercial, after poking fun at her Oscar near-misses, she does something unexpected: she turns the moment completely around with a cheeky gesture that makes viewers laugh out loud. Instead of sulking about “almost winning,” she bites into an M&M and smirks, delivering the ultimate punchline — sometimes, chocolate is better than trophies.

That small but brilliant move shifted the entire tone of the commercial. It wasn’t about loss or regret anymore — it was about enjoying the sweet moments along the way. And who better than Scarlett Johansson, known for her wit and effortless charisma, to pull that off?

The internet exploded almost immediately after the ad aired. Fans flooded social media with clips of Johansson’s scene, calling her the “true MVP” of the commercial. Many joked that she deserved an Oscar for her performance in the M&M’s ad itself. Others pointed out how refreshing it was to see a major star not take herself too seriously, especially in an industry often obsessed with awards and recognition.

For M&M’s, the commercial was a marketing masterstroke. Not only did it tie into the Super Bowl’s competitive spirit, but it also used humor to connect with audiences on a personal level. After all, everyone knows the sting of “almost” — but everyone also knows the comfort of chocolate.

As for Scarlett Johansson, the ad reminded fans why she remains one of the most beloved actresses in Hollywood. Whether she’s playing a superhero in The Avengers, starring in indie dramas, or sharing the screen with NFL legends in a candy commercial, she has a rare ability to shine in any setting.

In the end, the 2024 M&M’s Super Bowl commercial wasn’t just about “almost winning.” Thanks to Scarlett Johansson’s scene-stealing performance, it became about finding joy, laughing at yourself, and celebrating the sweeter side of life. And if the audience reaction is anything to go by, Johansson may not have an Oscar yet — but she certainly won the Super Bowl of commercials.