Djimon Hounsou is opening up about the challenges of making it as a person of color in Hollywood, even with an impressive career spanning two decades.
but is appearing. CNN’s African Voice Changersthe two-time Oscar nominee revealed that despite starring in blockbuster hits, he is still not earning the salary he deserves. Gladiator And Blood Diamond.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” Hounsou admitted during the interview. “I’ve been in the movie business for two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster movies, and yet, I’m definitely underpaid.”
The 60-year-old actor also reflected on being overlooked by the Academy for his role as eccentric in the Steven Spielberg film. Amstad (1997). Although the performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination, Hounsou believes her background influenced the Oscars’ decision to exclude her.
He said he ignored me for the Oscars because he thought I had just come off the boat and off the streets. “Even though I did it successfully, they didn’t feel like I was an actor they should respect.”
Hounsou, who was born in Benin, also pointed out that Hollywood still has a long way to go in tackling systemic racism and embracing true diversity. “This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go,” he explained. Systemic racism is thus not going to change anytime soon.
Despite the setbacks, Hounsou continues to use its platform to drive change in the industry.