The virtual nature of awards shows during the pandemic era created the perfect environment for a unique, televised prank. That is exactly what happened when Colin Jost, head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor for Saturday Night Live, hilariously ambushed his wife, superstar actress Scarlett Johansson, with a bucket of green slime. The memorable incident took place during the 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards on May 16, 2021, while Johansson was being honored with the ceremony’s highest accolade: the Generation Award.
The Attack: Slime in the Midst of Glamour
Johansson, looking glamorous and poised, was giving a heartfelt, pre-taped acceptance speech from her home, thanking fans and collaborators for her decades-long career. Just as she was about to give a “sneak peek” of her long-awaited solo film, Black Widow, Colin Jost suddenly walked into the frame, holding a red bowl. Without warning, he dumped the bowl of bright green slime directly over her head. The contrast between the serious, prestigious nature of the award and the messy, juvenile nature of the prank was the ultimate punchline.
The Priceless, Confused Reaction
Johansson’s reaction was instant, confused, and priceless. Drenched in the bright green goo, she shouted in mock horror. Jost, clearly enjoying his role as the prankster, responded with the classic Nickelodeon catchphrase: “MTV! You got slimed!” Johansson immediately snapped back, delivering the line that cemented the joke’s success: “That’s Nickelodeon, you idiot!”
The Unscripted Viral Hit
The SNL writer then quickly apologized and revealed the source of the green goo—”Amazon,” he quipped—before attempting to help clean her up, to which the Black Widow star yelled, “Don’t touch me! Let me do it!” The entire exchange was a perfect blend of high-profile glamour meeting the messy reality of being married to a professional comedian. The unexpected, unscripted moment created a massive viral hit, showcasing the couple’s playful relationship and giving a memorable end to Johansson’s honor, proving that even a Generation Award winner can’t escape a well-executed prank.