Djimon Hounsou, who has done amazing projects in his impressive career path, opened up, sharing the difficulties he has experienced as a black man in Hollywood. The veteran actor shared this when he appeared on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers.
According to People magazine, on the above podcast, Hounsou mentioned still being underpaid despite being in the industry for nearly two decades. “I’m still struggling to make a living,” the artist shared.
He further stated that he has been in the film production business for over twenty years, with two Academy Award nominations and several hit films, and he still experiences struggles financially. He added, “I’m definitely underpaid.”
During the conversation, Hounsou also spoke about his belief that he was denied Academy Awards or overlooked for his role in Stephen Spielberg’s 1997 film Cinque.
The Blood Diamond actor said he was nominated for a Golden Globe but was snubbed for an Oscar because he felt like he had just gotten off the boat and into the streets. The actor shared that even though he did so with success, he did not feel like he was an actor “they should give any respect to.”
When it comes to diversity, the veteran artist believes that a lot of progress should be implemented in the entertainment industry. “This ideological idea of diversity still has a long way to go,” he said. Systemic racism won’t change anytime soon.”
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