Djimon Hounsou: 'Struggling to Survive' in Hollywood Despite Oscar Nods

Djimon Hounsou, a seasoned actor known for his roles in films across Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has openly discussed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite receiving two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," and starring in numerous blockbuster hits, Hounsou revealed to CNN that he is "still struggling to make a living" and feels "definitely underpaid" in the industry.

"I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid," Hounsou stated. These sentiments are not new; in 2023, he shared similar frustrations with The Guardian, expressing feelings of being "cheated" in terms of both finances and workload compared to others in the industry who have achieved less recognition.

Djimon Hounsou. Image credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images for The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.

Hounsou, who hails from Benin, pointed to racism and xenophobia as factors impacting his career. He recounted instances where studio executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in the industry, saying, "I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like, ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor.'" Such comments, he noted, reflect a limited perception of his capabilities and presence in Hollywood. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that," he added.

Despite these challenges, Hounsou's recent work includes notable films such as "A Quiet Place: Day One," the two "Rebel Moon" films from Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," and "Fast and Furious 7," among many others. His extensive filmography underscores his significant contributions to the industry, yet his financial struggles highlight ongoing issues regarding pay equity and recognition within Hollywood.