Djimon Hounsou spoke of his current challenges in an interview on CNN African Voices Changemakers. The magazine programme hosted the actor, he chatted with the program anchor, Larry Madowo. They spoke about Hounsou’s journey and the way Hounsou links Black diaspora with its root.
“I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid,” Hounsou explained, expressing his frustration despite his extensive career.
“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets,” he said. “Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.”
Hounsou spoke about his significant financial issues and he linked them to being underpaid in the Hollywood industry.
The actor also gave his opinion on racism BT sharing his experience. He recalled being overlooked for an Academy Award nomination despite his Golden Globe recognition.
Despite the industry’s effort at inclusitivity and diversity. Hounsou maintained that there is still a long way to go to achieve it.
“This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon,” he stated.
Incase you are wondering who Djimon Hounsou is, let me feel you in. He is an actor who ypu might identify from being part of various projects like Amistad, Constantine, Guardians of the Galaxy, Aquaman, and Furious 7. He started his career by appearing in music video. He became recognised when he acted, “Without you, I am nothing”.
He was nominated for the Academy Award best supporting male character. He won black reel awards for best supporting actor in blood diamond and I America. In 2004, He won Independent Spirit Award for best supporting male actor in “In America”. In 1998, he win NAACP image award for outstanding actor in motion picture on the film, ” Amistad”. In 2006, he won National Board review in the movie, ” Blood diamond” for Best supporting actor.
He made his directorial debut with the documentary film in search of Vodoo: Roots to heaven.
