Marvel and DC Actor Djimon Hounsou Says He Is 'Struggling To Make A Living' in Hollywood Despite 2 Oscar Nods

Djimon Hounsou, a prolific actor with credits spanning Marvel, DC, Netflix, and countless other productions, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and a long list of blockbuster appearances, Hounsou claims to be significantly underpaid.

"I’m still struggling to make a living," Hounsou told CNN. "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."

This echoes sentiments expressed in a 2023 interview with The Guardian, where he stated feeling "cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well," comparing his financial situation to wealthier colleagues with fewer accolades.

Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, also attributed some of his financial challenges to racism and xenophobia within the industry. He recounted instances where studios perceived him as a newcomer, even after established roles. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting," he reflected. "But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that."

His recent projects include A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon films (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, Fast and Furious 7, and numerous others. His experiences highlight a persistent disparity in Hollywood compensation, particularly for actors of color.