Despite two decades in Hollywood and numerous accolades, Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou says he’s still battling financial hardship and feels he is underpaid.
In a candid interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, the Oscar-nominated actor of Gladiator and Blood Diamond revealed the stark reality of his career.
“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,” Hounsou shared. “I’m definitely underpaid.”
Hounsou also addressed the ongoing issue of systemic racism in Hollywood, recounting how his achievements were sometimes overlooked. “I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets,” he said. “Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.”
The actor emphasized that diversity in Hollywood remains a distant goal. “So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go,” Hounsou continued. “Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
