Djimon Hounsou Struggles Financially in Hollywood Despite Oscar Nominations

Djimon Hounsou, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in blockbuster films across Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has candidly shared that he is "still struggling to make a living" in Hollywood. Despite his impressive resume, which includes two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," Hounsou told CNN that he feels "definitely underpaid" in the film industry.

"I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid," Hounsou stated, highlighting the disparity between his contributions and compensation.

These sentiments echo his earlier comments to The Guardian in 2023, where he expressed feeling "cheated" in terms of both finances and workload, especially when compared to peers who have achieved less but are financially better off.

Hounsou, who hails from Benin, also touched on the impact of racism and xenophobia on his career. He recounted studio meetings where executives were surprised to learn he was a "true actor," indicating a limiting perception of his capabilities. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that," he remarked, reflecting on the challenges he faces and his determination to overcome them.

Recently, Hounsou has appeared in a variety of high-profile projects, including "A Quiet Place: Day One," the two "Rebel Moon" films on Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," and "Fast and Furious 7," among others, showcasing his versatility and ongoing presence in the industry.