Home News Djimon Hounsou: Struggling in Hollywood Despite Oscar Nods

Djimon Hounsou: Struggling in Hollywood Despite Oscar Nods

Author : Claire Update : Apr 26,2025

Djimon Hounsou, a seasoned actor known for his roles in films across Marvel, DC, Netflix, and beyond, has openly shared his struggles in Hollywood despite his notable achievements. Hounsou, who has received two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in "In America" and "Blood Diamond," expressed his frustration to CNN, stating, "I’m 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."

Djimon Hounsou. Image credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images for The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.

Djimon Hounsou. Image credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images for The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.

These sentiments are not new for Hounsou, who in 2023 told The Guardian, "I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well off and have very little of my accolades. So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well." As a black actor from Benin, Hounsou has also pointed to racism and xenophobia as factors impacting his career. He recounted instances where studio executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in the industry, saying, "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.'" Hounsou reflected on these experiences, noting, "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 filmography remains impressive, with roles in "A Quiet Place: Day One," the two "Rebel Moon" films from Netflix, the video game adaptation "Gran Turismo," "The King's Man," "Shazam: Fury of the Gods," "Captain Marvel," "Fast and Furious 7," and many other notable films. His ongoing contributions to cinema highlight his talent and dedication, even as he navigates the complexities of the industry.