Djimon Hounsou, twice nominated for an Oscar, struggles to make ends meet

The actor evokes “systemic racism” in the industry, which would explain his difficulties, despite an impressive filmography and career.

She is one of the most famous African stars in Hollywood, and yet, Djimon Hounsou reveals today to be in financial difficulty.

Appeared in GladiatorIn Blood Diamond or more recently in Guardians of the Galaxy, Djimon Hounsou claims not to be paid fairly for his work:

“I still have trouble earning a living”says the actor during an interview for African Voices Changemakers, a CNN program. “I've been making films for over two decades, been nominated for two Academy Awards, starred in many successful films, and yet I still struggle financially. I’m clearly underpaid.”

Djimon Hounsouborn in Benin, arrived in France at the age of 13. Attempting a career as a model, he found himself on the street for a few weeks in Paris, before being spotted and becoming a model for Thierry Mugler. After appearing in a few music videos, he launched an acting career in the 1990s. Cast for Stargatehe landed his first significant role in Amistadin 1997, by Steven Spielberg:

“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, saying they thought I had just gotten off the boat and walked off the street,” continues Djimon Hounsou. “Even though I managed to make this film, they just didn't feel like I was an actor they owed any respect to. This conceptual idea of ​​diversity still has a long way to go…“

Djimon Hounsou has since been nominated for two Oscars, for his supporting roles in In America (2004) and especially in Blood Diamond (2007), without winning the statuette. Despite this status, the actor never really found a big role in Hollywood, but he was able to string together blockbusters, appearing in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, Fast & Furious 7, Captain Marvel, Shazam, Without a sound 2 and more recently in the Rebel Moon by Zack Snyder.

So how can we explain that, despite this filmography, Djimon Hounsou can't “earn a living“correctly in the American industry? For him, we simply have to see it”a sign that systemic racism is not something to be taken lightly. It is so deeply ingrained in everything we do, at every level...”

Djimon Hounsou will be in the casting of Last Breathnext February at the cinema, opposite Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu.