Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - Popular Beninese-American actor, Djimon Hounsou has said he's experiencing financial struggles, despite having a successful two-decade-long career in Hollywood.
In a recent interview on CNN’s African Voices
Changemakers, Hounsou confessed that he is underpaid and struggling to make a
living.
This revelation comes as a surprise, considering his
impressive credentials, including two Oscar nominations for his roles in “Blood
Diamond” and “In America.”
“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,” he said.
Hounsou also opened up about his experiences with racism in
Hollywood.
He recalled being overlooked for an Oscar nomination,
despite receiving a Golden Globe nomination for the same role.
The actor believes that systemic racism is still prevalent
in the industry and that diversity initiatives have a long way to go.
He said: “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. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t
feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.
“So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way
to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
Watch the interview below.
Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou is still struggling financially even after 20+ years in Hollywood.
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 10, 2025
How is that possible yet he’s one of the most recognizable African actors? pic.twitter.com/iIW1gsxsr6
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