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 substantial career in blockbuster films, Hounsou claims he is consistently underpaid.

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

These sentiments mirror his 2023 interview with The Guardian, where he expressed feeling "cheated, tremendously cheated," regarding both his compensation and workload compared to less-accomplished peers.

Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, also attributed some of his financial challenges to racism and xenophobia within the industry. He recounted instances of studios perceiving him as a newcomer, even after establishing himself as a seasoned actor. "When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting," he stated. "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 other notable films. His experiences highlight the persistent inequalities within the entertainment industry.