Despite his numerous prolific roles and being celebrated for his powerful performances in films such as Gladiator and Blood Diamond, Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has recently opened up about his ongoing financial struggles despite over two decades in the film industry.
The actor explained that he was still struggling with financial difficulties, alleging that he was definitely underpaid.
Hounsou stated that he still faces major financial difficulties, which he attributes to being underpaid in Hollywood, in an interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers.
“I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid,” Hounsou explained, expressing his frustration despite his extensive career.
Hounsou also shared his experiences with racism in Hollywood. He recounted being overlooked for an Academy Award nomination despite his Golden Globe recognition.
He said that he was nominated for the Golden Globe but was ignored for the Oscars because they thought that he had just come off the boat and the streets.
“Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.”
Hounsou underlined that although the industry is placing more emphasis on diversity, real equality and inclusivity are still a long way off. There is still more work to be done on the notion of diversity. He said, “Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
Hounsou has acted in a number of well-known films throughout the years, such as Furious 7, Amistad, Constantine, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Aquaman. Although he has a devoted following and received critical acclaim for his performances, his open admissions underscore the continued difficulties that actors of colour in Hollywood confront.
