Djimon Hounsou Admits He's ‘Still Struggling To Make A Living’ Despite Oscar Noms, Blockbuster Films
HuffPost
The two-time Oscar nominee, who has worked in the industry for decades, cited "systematic racism" for his financial instability.
Djimon Hounsou has a noteworthy resume in Hollywood, even accumulating Oscar-nominated roles throughout his decades-long career, but he says he still struggles to “make a living” despite garnering critical acclaim.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” he said in a new interview with CNN. “I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many big blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”
Hounsou, 60, is known for starring in multiple popular blockbuster films, including Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad,” ”Blood Diamond” opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” and DC’s “Shazam!”
The Beninese-born actor alleged he was snubbed for an Oscar after facing xenophobia and racism in the industry.
“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought that I had just came off the boat and off the streets,” he claimed.
