Struggles of Two-Time Oscar Nominee Djimon Hounsou in Hollywood
Renowned actor Djimon Hounsou recently shared his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood, despite a successful career spanning over two decades and two Oscar nominations.
In a candid interview on CNN’s “African Voices Changemakers,” the Beninese-born actor opened up about feeling underpaid and undervalued in an industry where he has delivered exceptional performances in major films.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” Hounsou revealed. “I’ve been in this business for over two decades, received two Oscar nominations, appeared in blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still facing financial challenges. I’m consistently underpaid.”
Known for his roles in acclaimed movies like “Gladiator,” “Amistad,” “Blood Diamond,” and “In America” (for which he received Oscar nominations), Hounsou criticized the film industry for what he perceives as systemic racism and xenophobia.
The actor has been vocal about the obstacles he has encountered throughout his career. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, he expressed his frustration at being undervalued in terms of compensation and opportunities.
“I’ve never been fairly compensated for a film,” he stated, expressing feeling “deeply cheated” compared to some of his peers with fewer accolades.
Despite these challenges, Djimon Hounsou continues to work on high-profile projects. His recent appearances include “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “Gran Turismo,” and “A Quiet Place: Day One.”
