Two-time Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou talks about the realities of being a working actor and why all that glitters is not gold.
Djimon is widely known for appearing in box office hits such as: gladiator, blood diamond, AmistadSeveral Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC movies are also included. Most recently, he starred alongside Lupita Nyong’o in the apocalyptic horror drama. Quiet Place: Day 1.
But despite receiving numerous film nominations since beginning his Hollywood career 30 years ago, the Benin native revealed on a recent episode of CNN that he is “struggling financially.” Africa’s Voice Change Maker.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” Djimon said. “I’ve been in the filmmaking industry for over 20 years, having been nominated for two Oscars and working on many blockbusters, but I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”
“I was nominated for a Golden Globe, but the Oscars ignored me because they thought I had just gotten off the boat and onto the streets,” he said. “I was successful, but I just felt like I wasn’t a respectable actor.”
He went on to share his perspective on diversity in Hollywood and the progress he believes still needs to be made in the entertainment industry.
“The conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism isn’t going to change anytime soon.”
However, this is not the first time Djimon has spoken out about unfair wages. In a 2023 interview with the Guardian, he said, “I have yet to meet a film that paid me my fair share.”
“I still have to prove why I deserve the money. They always come at me with completely low balls. ‘We only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and really care about you. It can bring so much.’ “
You can watch Djimon’s full CNN interview here.
