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Popular Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has revealed that he continues to face financial struggles despite a Hollywood career spanning more than two decades.
In an interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, which began trending on Saturday, Hounsou disclosed that he feels underpaid and still finds it difficult to make ends meet.
“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,” he said.
This revelation surprised many, given his remarkable achievements, including Academy Award nominations for his performances in Blood Diamond and In America.
Hounsou also spoke about facing racism in Hollywood, recounting instances where his talent was overlooked.
He recalled being excluded from an Oscar nomination despite receiving a Golden Globe nod for the same role, attributing it to systemic racism in the industry.
“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. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect,” he said.
Hounsou further criticised the slow progress of diversity initiatives, stating, “This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
Click the link below to watch the video:
https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1878140784198697175?t=IWxDDKnbFKY16sXVYO5awQ&s=19
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