January 12, 2025: Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Oscar nominee renowned for his roles in Gladiator, Amistad, Blood Diamond, and In America, recently opened up about his ongoing struggles to make a living in Hollywood, despite his critical acclaim and prominent roles in both blockbuster films and smaller projects. In a candid interview on CNN's African Voices Changemakers, Hounsou shared that, even after over two decades in the industry, he continues to be "lowballed" financially, saying, "I'm definitely underpaid."
Hounsou's recent work includes roles in A Quiet Place: Day One, Gran Turismo, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. However, he has previously spoken about the roadblocks he faces, especially regarding fair compensation. In an interview with The Guardian in 2023, Hounsou revealed his frustration with the industry's financial disparities, stating, "I'm still struggling to try to make a dollar!" He expressed feeling cheated both financially and in terms of workload, citing how some colleagues, despite having far fewer accolades, are much better off than he is.
Moreover, Hounsou alleged that his lack of recognition, particularly in the case of an Oscar nomination, stemmed from systemic racism and xenophobia. He claimed that despite his Golden Globe nomination for Blood Diamond, he was overlooked for an Oscar nomination because people in the industry perceived him as an outsider, stating, "They thought that I had just come off the boat and off the streets." He stressed that this kind of limited vision around diversity still persists in Hollywood, reflecting on how racial prejudices continue to affect his career.
Looking ahead, Hounsou has several projects lined up, including a horror film titled The Monster, a shark movie Beneath the Storm alongside Phoebe Dynevor, and a thriller The Zealot with Kodi Smit-McPhee. Despite the challenges, Hounsou remains resilient and continues to advocate for greater recognition and respect within the industry.
