Djimon Hounsou opens up on financial struggles, racism in Hollywood
Djimon Hounsou at a beach bar
Published By: Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has revealed that, despite a successful career spanning over two decades, he is still grappling with financial challenges and underpayment in the film industry.
In an interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, the Gladiator star, who boasts two Oscar nominations and numerous appearances in blockbuster films, admitted that his financial struggles persist.
“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 disclosed.
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Addressing the issue of racism in Hollywood, the actor shared his experiences of being overlooked and undervalued. “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.
Hounsou lamented the slow pace of progress in addressing systemic issues in the industry. “This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon,” he added.
