Djimon Hounsou, two-time Oscar nominee, struggles to make a living
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Djimon Hounsou portraying diverse characters from iconic Hollywood films, including Constantine, Blood Diamond, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Los Angeles: Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou, known for his roles in 'Gladiator', 'Blood Diamond', and 'In America', has opened up about his ongoing financial struggles despite his decades-long career in Hollywood. Speaking on CNN's African Voices Changemakers, the 60-year-old actor revealed that he is "still struggling to make a living" and believes he is "underpaid" by the film industry.
Hounsou, who has been part of blockbuster films for over 30 years, highlighted the disparity between his success and financial compensation. He shared, “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 received Academy Award nominations for his roles in 'In America' and 'Blood Diamond.
The actor also expressed his frustration with the lack of recognition for his talent, recalling his Oscar snub for his role in 'Amistad' (1997). 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."
Hounsou also addressed the broader issue of systemic racism in Hollywood, noting that despite his success, he continues to face challenges in proving his worth to industry executives. He shared that even with his reputation, he is often offered low-paying roles and has to justify why he should be paid more. “They always come at me with a complete low ball: 'We only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much.’”
He also referenced the struggles of fellow actor Viola Davis, stating, “Viola Davis said it beautifully. She's won an Oscar, she's won an Emmy, she's won a Tony and she still can't get paid.”
Despite his struggles, Hounsou remains a respected figure in Hollywood, having earned multiple nominations and critical acclaim throughout his career.
With IANS inputs