Djimon Hounsou revealed that he struggled to make ends meet, despite his fame.
The American actor of Beninese origin, aged 60, has pursued a film career since the 1990s. He has appeared in super productions and major franchises such as Tomb Raider, Guardians of the Galaxy et A quiet corner: day 1.
However, Djimon Hounsou says his momentum towards success has been slowed. He reveals that he earned far less than his peers despite a career that led to two Oscar nominations.
“I’ve been in the film business for over twenty years, with two Oscar nominations and numerous blockbusters, and yet I still struggle to get by financially. I am definitely underpaid,” he told CNN.
Djimon Hounsou was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for In America in 2004 and Blood Diamond in 2007, but he failed each time. He also believes he was snubbed by the Oscars for his performance in Amistadthe film of Steven Spielberg sorti en 1998.
He said of the Oscar jury: “I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they passed me over for the Oscars because they thought I had just left the boat and walked off the street.” Even though I was very good, they didn’t have the impression that I was an actor to whom they should pay homage.
And Djimon Hounsou expresses his bitterness: “This concept of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism is not going to change anytime soon.”
