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

Acclaimed actor Djimon Hounsou, a veteran of 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 prolific career in blockbuster films, Hounsou told CNN he is significantly underpaid.

"I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in this business making films for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid," he stated.

This echoes sentiments Hounsou expressed in 2023 to The Guardian, where he voiced feeling "cheated...tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well," comparing his financial situation to that of less-accomplished peers.

Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, further suggested that racism and xenophobia have negatively impacted his career trajectory. He recounted instances of being perceived as a newcomer to the industry, even after establishing himself as a prominent actor. "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," he commented.

His recent credits include A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon duology (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, Fast and Furious 7, and numerous other films.