I’m underpaid and struggling to earn a living despite two Oscar nominations – Actor Djimon Hounsou

Despite his impressive two-decade career in Hollywood and two Oscar nominations, Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has shockingly revealed that he struggles financially.

In a candid interview on CNN's African Voices Changemakers, Hounsou opened up about being underpaid and facing difficulties making a living, shedding light on the harsh realities of his life as a Hollywood actor.

“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,” he said.

In the interview, Djimon Hounsou exposed the harsh realities of racism in Hollywood. He recounted a particularly disappointing experience where he was snubbed for an Oscar nomination, despite receiving a Golden Globe nomination for the same role.

“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.

“This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon,” he stated.

Beninese-born American actor, Djimon Hounson began his career appearing in music videos and made his film debut in Without You I'm Nothing in 1990.

 He then earned widespread recognition for his role as Cinqué in the Steven Spielberg film Amistad (1997), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. For his performances in In America (2002) and Blood Diamond (2006), Hounsou was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In 2018, Hounsou made his directorial debut with the documentary film In Search of Voodoo: Roots to Heaven, which examines the history, nature and religious practices of West African Vodun.

The documentary premiered at the Miami International Film Festival on 10 March 2018.

In 2024, Hounsou had a guest performance on South African record producer and DJ Black Coffee's "Ode to Ancestors" song which was included in an EP inspired by Zack Snyder's movie, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver.

Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou is still struggling financially even after 20+ years in Hollywood.

How is that possible yet he’s one of the most recognizable African actors? pic.twitter.com/iIW1gsxsr6

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 10, 2025

Movies Acted by  Djimon Hounsou