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 numerous other major studios, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and a long list of blockbuster appearances, 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, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I'm still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid."

This echoes sentiments expressed in a 2023 interview with The Guardian, where he voiced feelings of being "cheated...tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well," comparing his financial situation to that of less-accomplished, yet wealthier colleagues.

Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, further suggests that racism and xenophobia have negatively impacted his career trajectory. He recounted instances where studio executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in Hollywood, implying a perception of him as a fleeting, rather than established, talent.

"When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting," Hounsou 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 many more.