Djimon Hounsou: Two Decades, Two Oscars, Yet Struggling In Hollywood

Djimon Hounsou, a renowned Beninese-American actor, has spoken out about the challenges he has faced in Hollywood, particularly regarding racial bias and unequal treatment.

In a preview of an upcoming episode of CNN African Voices, the ‘Blood Diamond’ star expressed frustration about systemic racism in the industry. Despite his impressive career and accolades, Hounsou revealed that he is still struggling financially after more than two decades in the business.

“I am still struggling trying to make a living,” he shared. “I have been in this business and making films now over two decades, and still, with two Oscar nominations and many big blockbuster films, yet I am still struggling financially to make a living.”

Djimon Hounsou also highlighted being undervalued despite his achievements. “I am definitely underpaid,” he said. Reflecting on his Golden Globe nomination for ‘In America,’ he added, “They ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought I had just come off the boat and off the streets. Even though I successfully did that, they just did not feel like I was an actor for whom we should pay any respect.”

The actor emphasized that Hollywood still has a long way to go in achieving true diversity. “This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism does not change like that anytime soon,” he stated.

Djimon Hounsou began his Hollywood career in 1990 with the film ‘Without You I’m Nothing.’ He gained widespread recognition for his role in the 2006 film ‘Blood Diamond,’ where he starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite his vast experience and contributions to the industry, Hounsou’s candid remarks highlight ongoing challenges faced by actors of color in Hollywood.
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