As she prepares to welcome her second child, Scarlett Johansson is reflecting on the evolution of her public image and the shifting priorities in her life.

The 29-year-old actress, who is currently heavily pregnant, recently opened up about her upcoming 30th birthday and her desire to move away from being “an object of desire” in Hollywood.

“When I was younger, I felt like I was objectified a lot, and it made me uncomfortable,” Johansson told reporters during a press event for her latest film. “As I’ve gotten older and more secure in myself, I’m less concerned with being seen as ‘𝑠e𝑥y’ and more interested in being viewed as a whole person.”

The “Black Widow” star, who will turn 30 in November, acknowledged that the entertainment industry has long placed an emphasis on the physical appearance of its female stars, often reducing them to mere objects of fascination and desire.

“There’s so much more to a person than their physical attributes,” Johansson said. “I’m excited to move into this next chapter of my life where I can focus on my work, my family, and the issues that are important to me, rather than worrying about how I’m perceived.”

Johansson’s sentiments echo the growing movement in Hollywood to shift the narrative away from the objectification of women and towards a more holistic, empowering representation of female identity.

As she prepares to welcome her second child with husband Colin Jost, the actress expressed a desire to be seen as more than just a “𝑠e𝑥 symbol” or a “pretty face.”

“I’m not trying to downplay my physical attributes or the fact that I’ve been considered ‘attractive’ in the past,” Johansson said. “But at the end of the day, that’s not the most important thing about me. I want to be respected and valued for my talent, my intelligence, and the positive impact I can have, both on and off the screen.”

With her 30th birthday on the horizon and a new chapter of motherhood unfolding, Johansson is embracing a deeper sense of self-acceptance and a renewed commitment to using her platform to advocate for meaningful change.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, but I’m also excited to evolve and grow in new directions,” the actress concluded. “This next phase of my life is going to be all about focusing on what truly matters to me.”