Benin-born actor Djimon Hounsou, best known for his roles in Blood Diamond, Gladiator, and Amistad, is speaking out about the financial hardships he continues to face after two decades in Hollywood. Despite receiving two Oscar nominations and starring in multiple critically acclaimed films, Hounsou revealed that he is still “struggling to make a living.”
In a candid interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, the 60-year-old actor, who immigrated to the United States from Benin at 23, shared his ongoing challenges with underpayment in the industry. “I’m still struggling financially,” he said, reflecting on his long career. “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.”
Hounsou’s career highlights include his iconic role as Cinqué in Amistad (1997), directed by Steven Spielberg. Despite receiving a Golden Globe nomination for his performance, Hounsou feels he was overlooked by the Academy Awards, a sentiment he has expressed before. “I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought I had just come off the boat and the streets,” Hounsou said. “Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.”
The actor also discussed the ongoing lack of diversity in Hollywood, explaining that the industry still has a long way to go when it comes to addressing systemic racism. “This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon,” Hounsou remarked.
Hounsou’s experiences in Hollywood have sparked him to take action outside of acting. In addition to his career, the actor founded the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting the African diaspora with their ancestral roots and addressing the wounds left by slavery. His experiences on Amistad sparked a deep passion to support African culture and identity. “I had this compelling need to do something for my people for my continent,” Hounsou explained.
Through his foundation, Hounsou aims to foster a stronger connection between Afro-descendants and the African motherland. One of the foundation’s main goals is to bridge the gap between the African diaspora and their heritage, promoting intergenerational awareness and self-identification. “When you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know who you are,” he added.
Hounsou also took a moment to highlight the broader wage disparity within Hollywood. He referenced Viola Davis’ own struggles with fair compensation, despite her impressive career. “Viola Davis said it beautifully. She’s won an Oscar, she’s won an Emmy, she’s won a Tony and she still can’t get paid,” Hounsou said, pointing to the systemic issues of unequal pay in the industry.
The actor’s foundation and his advocacy for fair pay have made him a strong voice for both his peers and the communities he serves. His journey from an immigrant in Hollywood to a vocal critic of the industry’s systemic issues serves as a testament to his commitment to both his craft and his culture.
