Nationwide — Djimon Hounsou, the 60-year-old actor known for Blood Diamond and Gladiator, is speaking out about the challenges he continues to face in Hollywood, including struggles with pay and racial inequality, despite his lengthy career and notable accomplishments. He has been in over 40 movies during a career spanning almost three decades.
Speaking on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, the Benin-born actor revealed that he still faces financial challenges. He said, “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,” according to People.
Hounsou also recalled being overlooked by the Academy for his role as Cinqué in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad. Although he received a Golden Globe nomination, he was snubbed for an Oscar. He believes the Academy dismissed him due to his background, saying, “Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.”
When it comes to diversity in Hollywood, Hounsou expressed that true progress is still a long way off. He noted, “This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
Hounsou’s struggles with fair pay in Hollywood are not new. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Hounsou shared that no film has paid him fairly. He described constant low offers from studios, saying, “I still have to prove why I need to get paid. 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 Viola Davis, who has spoken out about wage discrimination despite her extensive accolades.
Moreover, Hounsou’s Hollywood journey inspired him to establish the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, aiming to reconnect the African diaspora with their roots. He emphasized the importance of understanding one’s heritage and healing the cultural disconnect caused by slavery.
“Because when you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know who you are,” he said.
