Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou has made a startling revelation about his financial struggles, despite a distinguished two-decade career in Hollywood. In a candid interview with CNN's African Voices Changemakers, the Beninese-American actor spoke openly about being consistently underpaid throughout his career in the film industry.
"I'm still struggling to make a living," Hounsou disclosed with remarkable frankness. "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."
The actor also addressed the pervasive issue of systemic racism in Hollywood, sharing a particularly poignant experience where he was overlooked for an Oscar nomination despite receiving Golden Globe recognition. "They ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets," he explained. "Even though I successfully did that, they just didn't feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect."
Hounsou's path to Hollywood began in the 1990s, starting with appearances in music videos before landing his breakthrough role in Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" (1997). This performance earned him his first Golden Globe nomination and established him as a serious dramatic actor. His career continued to ascend with powerful performances in "In America" (2002) and "Blood Diamond" (2006), both of which led to Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.
In recent years, Hounsou has expanded his artistic repertoire. He made his directorial debut in 2018 with the documentary "In Search of Voodoo: Roots to Heaven," which examines the rich history and religious practices of West African Vodun. The film premiered at the Miami International Film Festival, showcasing another facet of his artistic abilities. Most recently, in 2024, he collaborated with renowned South African DJ Black Coffee on "Ode to Ancestors," a track featured on the soundtrack of "Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scar giver."
Reflecting on the state of diversity in the entertainment industry, Hounsou remained candid yet measured: "This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won't change like that anytime soon." His comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by actors of color in Hollywood, even those with acclaimed careers and multiple award nominations.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0