Two-time Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou has revealed that he still struggles to “make a living” in Hollywood despite receiving critical acclaim and awards attention for films big and small.
In a recent interview on CNN African Sound Makersthe Benin-born actor – whose most famous performances include that of Ridley Scott GladiatorSteven Spielberg Amistad, Blood diamond Opposite Jennifer Connelly and Leonardo DiCaprio In America (The latter two received Oscar nods) – He said he's often weak when it comes to financial compensation for his work.
“I'm still struggling to make a living,” he said. “I've been in this film business for over two decades with two Academy Award nominations and several blockbuster films, and yet, I'm still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid.
Reflecting on its completion in 1997 Amistadin which he played slave rebellion leader Cinque, Hounsou claimed he was passed over for an Oscar due to xenophobia and racism.
He added: “I was nominated for a Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, and talked about the fact that they thought I had just gotten off the boat and off the streets.” “Although I did it successfully [film]They didn't feel like I was an actor and they should give him any respect. This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. “Systemic racism is not going to change any time soon.”
Hounsou, whose recent credits include A Quiet Place: Day One, Gran Turismo and Shazam! wrath of gods, He previously talked about the obstacles he faces. talking to The Guardian In 2023, he said he had “yet to meet a film that paid me a fair wage.”
“I still have a hard time trying to make a dollar! I come into this business with some people who are very well off and have very few accolades to give away. So I feel cheated, cheated in a big way, in terms of finances and in terms of workload as well.” I've been to studios for meetings and they've said, “It felt like you just stepped off the boat and came back [after Amistad]. We didn't know you were here as a real actor. When you hear things like this, you can see that some people's view of you, or what you stand for, is very limited. But it is what it is. It's up to me to get that back.”
Honsou will release a series of exciting films: a horror film The monster from opinion Darren Lynn Bousman, the franchise's star, is the movie shark opposite Phoebe Dynevor Under the storm And a claustrophobic thriller The fanatic With Kodi Smit-McPhee.
