Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has revealed that he continues to face financial challenges despite having worked in the film industry for more than twenty years. In an appearance on African Voices Changemakers, a popular CNN magazine program, the ‘Gladiator’ star expressed that he feels undercompensated.
“I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the filmmaking industry for over two decades, received two Oscar nominations, and starred in numerous blockbuster films, yet I’m still facing financial difficulties. I am definitely underpaid,” he stated.
Regarding racism in Hollywood, Hounsou remarked, “I was nominated for a Golden Globe, but the Oscars overlooked me because they assumed I had just arrived from the streets. Even though I accomplished that role successfully, they didn’t regard me as an actor deserving of respect.
“This notion of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change overnight.”
