Marriage has always been part of Scarlett Johansson’s plans, a pal tells People.

“I was just so happy when she told me [about her engagement to Ryan Reynolds, 31],” said designer Roland Mouret � who just saw the actress at Monday’s Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala in New York.

“It’s something she’s really wanted � to meet someone and get married,” he added, speaking to People at the Vogue magazine launch of Tim Walker’s portraits in London. “She’s just such a great person and I’m so happy for her and wish her every happiness. She deserves it.”

Mouret and Johansson first met when she was filming in London in 2004 and stopped by his studio. The 23-year-old then helped put him on the A-list fashion map by wearing his coral taffeta gown to the 2005 Golden Globes, followed by a black Mouret number to the Academy Awards.

But if you’re handicapping the Johansson wedding dress design sweepstakes, don’t include Mouret.

“No, no � it’s not me,” he said, laughing.

Still, the fashion-forward Johansson will have no shortage of options when it comes to her gown. In fact, Stella McCartney has already volunteered for the job.

Credit: People.com

The Academy of Cinema and Television announced today a collaboration with Scarlett Johansson to create a specialized online educational series for kids and teens interested in the Entertainment Industry. This is the sixth in a series of Question & Answer training sessions to be announced worldwide.

The Academy of Cinema and Television today announced the collaboration with Actress Scarlett Johansson, the sixth such collaboration in a series to offer “always-available” personal insights to the path a rising star often takes as they struggle to reach the top of their field — be it acting, modeling, singing or dancing. The series, in a Q & A format, enables performing arts students and their parents to instantly gain personal insight online about the celebrities featured in the series. Together with the aid of the Internet, the series will give parents, students, and the Internet community insight into the industry from an actress who began her career as an eight year old and is now world renowned icon.

A confident Lionsgate has moved up the release of Miller’s directorial debut, “The Spirit” — adapted from Will Eisner’s comicstrip — from Jan. 16, 2009 to Dec. 25, 2008, in the heart of holiday season.

The action-adventure romance toplines Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes. Miller (”300,” “Sin City”) penned the adapted script.

“Spirit,” a co-production of Odd Lot Entertainment and Lionsgate, revolves around a slain rookie cop who returns from the dead to fight crime and track a cold-blooded killer.

Lionsgate prexy of theatrical films Tom Ortenberg said the decision to shift the film to Christmas Day came after the project was presented to fans at New York Comic-Con.

Also set to open Dec. 25 are two broad comedies: Disney’s Adam Sandler starrer “Bedtime Stories” and 20th Century Fox’s Jennifer Aniston-Owen Wilson starrer “Marley and Me.”

Credit: Variety

Note: I’m very sorry that this news was late.

Scarlett Johansson describes the recording of her Tom Waits covers album, “Anywhere I Lay My Head,” as an “intimate experience � almost private, in a way.”

Of course, when you’re a Hollywood actress, Louis Vuitton model and occasional tabloid fixture, pretty much nothing is private.

That’s the challenge facing Atco/Rhino Records as it promotes the album, due May 20. Johansson is a familiar face � and name recognition is a definite marketing bonus � but the phrase “actress-turned-singer” is bound to set off warning bells.

“I don’t think being a celebrity is a hindrance � I think it will get people curious,” project manager Liuba Shapiro said. “It’s not like a Paris (Hilton) brand. Scarlett has credible performances (as an actress).”

Johansson’s take on Waits, thanks in part to her teaming with TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek for production, as well as Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner and David Bowie on backing vocals, is an atmospheric reinvention of the gravelly-voiced singer’s work. It’s designed to appeal to those curious about Johansson’s vocal prowess, Waits fans and those who like their melodies layered and dreamy.

The album has Waits’ stamp of approval, Johansson said. “It would be mortifying otherwise. It’s such a valentine for his work. I wanted to have that approval. Now I don’t have to look out for him in a dark, crowded place.”

The video for first single “Falling Down,” directed by Oscar-nominated Capote helmer Bennett Miller, is a cinema verite look at a day in the life of Johansson, including photo shoots and kicking back with Salman Rushdie.

In terms of touring, Johansson’s movie-shooting schedule makes it difficult to plan dates. The album, in fact, was recorded last summer but could only be released now because of her schedule, the label said. Another complicating factor is what Johansson calls her “crippling stage fright.”

Credit: Reuters Billboard

Looks like newly engaged Scarlett Johansson can cross shopping for a bridal gown off her to-do list.

“I’m definitely doing her wedding dress,” fashion’s Stella McCartney, 36, told People at a Tuesday night cocktail party she hosted at her West Hollywood boutique � where she arrived fashionably late along with the couple Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend.

There’s only one hitch before Johansson, 23, gets hitched to fianc� Ryan Reynolds (who proposed recently), according to McCartney: “She doesn’t know it yet.”

As for what the British designer, who created Madonna’s gown for her 2000 wedding to Guy Ritchie, has in mind for the young bride-to-be, “You know, some kind of dodgy, black thing,” McCartney, tongue firmly planted in cheek, joked. “Latex! Latex for Scarlett!”

On a more serious note, McCartney said, “I’m so thrilled for her.”

Credit: People.com

After dating for more than a year, Scarlett Johansson is set to marry her boyfriend Ryan Reynolds, PEOPLE has learned exclusively.

“They’re both thrilled,” Johansson’s rep Marcel Pariseau tells PEOPLE.

Reynolds, 31, currently filming the aptly named The Proposal in Boston with Sandra Bullock, recently popped the question to Johansson, 23. The couple have not set a wedding date.

The Nanny Diaries star is expected to show off her sparkler at Monday night’s Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala in New York. Sources say Johansson is eager to “show off her rock” with her Dolce & Gabbana gown.

Credit: People.com

She told Spin magazine: “I have platinum blonde hair, and I’m extremely curvy. I pour myself into a dress and show up and strut my stuff at premieres.

“Of course I expect people will have certain ideas but it’s weird if people associate the fact that I sell handbags or wear a bikini with who I am when I wake up in the morning.

“People think I’m going to be some brazen harlot, but I’m not out there with every Tom, Dick and Harry or catching hepatitis.”