Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou has opened up about his ongoing financial struggles and the pervasive racism he has encountered throughout his career. Despite a successful acting journey spanning over two decades, the Beninese-born actor revealed in an interview with CNN’s African Voices Changemakers that he still faces significant financial challenges. At 60, Hounsou admitted that his apparent success in Hollywood doesn’t translate to financial stability, citing being underpaid as a major issue.
Known for his critically acclaimed roles in films like Blood Diamond and In America, both of which earned him Oscar nominations, Hounsou’s credentials are impressive. Yet, he confessed that making ends meet remains a challenge, even after appearing in numerous blockbuster movies. Reflecting on his financial woes, he stated, “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 definitely underpaid.”
Hounsou also shed light on the systemic racism that continues to plague Hollywood. He recounted being overlooked for an Oscar nomination despite receiving a Golden Globe nod for the same role, attributing the snub to biases rooted in his background. “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,” he explained.
According to Hounsou, while diversity initiatives are now prominent in entertainment discourse, true change is still a long way off. “Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon,” he added, highlighting how deeply ingrained prejudices continue to hinder progress.
Hounsou’s journey in Hollywood began with his debut in the 1990 film Without You I’m Nothing. He rose to international fame with his powerful performance in the 2006 film Blood Diamond, starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.
