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

Djimon Hounsou, a seasoned actor known for his roles in films across Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has openly discussed his financial struggles 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 revealed to CNN that he feels "definitely underpaid" and is "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. His sentiments resonate with earlier comments he made to The Guardian in 2023, where he expressed feeling "cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well."

Hounsou, who hails from Benin and is a prominent black actor, has also pointed to racism and xenophobia as factors impacting his career. He recounted experiences in studio meetings where executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in the industry, suggesting a limited perception of his capabilities. "I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like, ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor,'" he shared. Hounsou acknowledged the challenge of overcoming such narrow views, stating, "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."

Despite these challenges, Hounsou's recent work includes notable roles in "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. His contributions to these projects highlight his enduring presence and talent in the film industry.