Djimon Hounsou says he is 'struggling to make a living in racist Hollywood'

Djimon Hounsou, the renowned actor known for his roles in films like 'Blood Diamond' and 'Gladiator', has opened up about his ongoing struggles with financial stability, despite his significant success in Hollywood.

At 60, Hounsou has been working in the film industry for over 30 years and has earned multiple accolades, including two Academy Award nominations.

Yet, in a recent interview on CNN's African Voices Changemakers, he expressed frustration over his continued financial challenges, stating, "I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the business for over two decades, with two Oscar nominations and several blockbuster films, and I’m still financially struggling. I’m definitely underpaid."

The actor also reflected on his past experience with the Academy Awards, particularly his role in 'Amistad', which he believes cost him an Oscar nomination.

He suggested that the Academy overlooked him due to a perception that he wasn't a serious actor deserving of recognition, despite his critical performance.

He noted, "I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but the Oscars ignored me, thinking I was just a newcomer with no real standing in the industry." 

The actor went on to address the ongoing issue of "systemic racism in Hollywood", acknowledging that real change in diversity is still a long way off.

Hounsou's financial challenges are not unique in the industry, as he previously discussed the difficulty of securing fair pay for his work.

He shared with The Guardian that he often faces low offers from studios, saying, "I still have to prove why I need to get paid more. They always come at me with a lowball offer: 'We only have this much for the role, but we really love you and think you’ll bring so much to it.'” 

He pointed out that even high-profile actors like Viola Davis, who has won many awards including an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony, still face similar struggles when it comes to fair compensation.

Despite his achievements, Hounsou’s experience sheds light on the ongoing challenges many actors of colour face in Hollywood, particularly in terms of recognition and pay.

IOL Entertainment