Despite starring in blockbuster films and earning two Academy Award nominations, Djimon Hounsou says he is still battling financial difficulties in Hollywood.
Hounsou, known for his roles in Gladiator and Blood Diamond, opened up about his experience in a recent interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” Hounsou revealed. “I’ve been in this business for more than two decades, appeared in many blockbuster films, and earned two Oscar nominations. Yet, I’m definitely underpaid and still struggling financially.”
Hounsou first gained attention for his role in Amistad (1997), a film directed by Steven Spielberg. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination, but he was overlooked by the Oscars. This snub remains a painful memory for the actor.
“They ignored me for the Oscars, saying they thought I had just come off the streets,” Hounsou recalled. “Even though I did well in that film, they didn’t see me as an actor worth respecting. The concept of diversity still has a long way to go.”
During the interview, CNN’s Larry Madowo expressed shock, calling Hounsou’s struggles “mind-boggling” given his prominence in big-budget films. Hounsou responded, “That shows how deep systemic racism goes. You can’t take it lightly. You just have to survive as best as you can.”
.Keep Reading
Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou is still struggling financially even after 20+ years in Hollywood.
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 10, 2025
How is that possible yet he’s one of the most recognizable African actors? pic.twitter.com/iIW1gsxsr6
Hounsou’s remarks on pay inequality are not new. While promoting his role in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, he told The Guardian that he feels cheated by the industry.
“I’ve worked alongside people who are well-off but have fewer accolades than me,” he said. “I feel tremendously cheated, both financially and in terms of workload. I still have to justify why I deserve to be paid. They always offer me low amounts, saying, ‘We love you, but we only have this much.’”
He referenced Viola Davis’s experience, saying, “Viola explained it well. She’s won an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony, yet she still struggles to get paid fairly. It’s a fight every time. I haven’t yet worked on a film that paid me what I deserved.”
Hounsou has appeared in major franchises, including Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel, playing Korath the Pursuer. In the DC universe, he portrayed the wizard Shazam in both Shazam! and its sequel. He also featured in the popular A Quiet Place series.
Despite his impressive filmography, which includes Gladiator, the best picture winner at the 2001 Oscars, Hounsou says the fight for fair pay continues. His two Oscar nominations came in 2004 for In America and 2007 for Blood Diamond, yet recognition hasn’t translated into financial stability.
Reflecting on his journey, Hounsou said, “I still haven’t been paid fairly for my work. Every film is a battle, and it’s exhausting. I just want to be treated with the respect I’ve earned after all these years.”