Djimon Hounsou's Struggles in Hollywood Despite Recognitions

By Jurassic JennJan 12, 2025 11:19 AMStar Facts
Share:
Djimon Hounsou's Struggles in Hollywood Despite Recognitions
Djimon Hounsou. Source: TimesLIVE

Despite two decades and multiple high-profile roles in Hollywood, Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Oscar nominee, has revealed his ongoing financial struggles as an actor of color. Originating from Benin, he reportedly faces challenges with being underpaid across his projects, including acclaimed performances in films like "Blood Diamond," "Gladiator," and "Amistad." This is prepared by SSP.

In a revealing conversation on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, Hounsou recounted how his breakthrough role as Cinqué in Steven Spielberg's Amistad was overlooked for an Oscar nomination due to perceived xenophobia where decision-makers viewed him in a limited light. Despite a Golden Globe nod, he felt undervalued by the Oscars, describing the industry as plagued with systemic racism and significant lapses in diversity. He cited Viola Davis’s similar pursuits for fair payment, underscoring a broader issue of wage discrimination within the industry.

In 2023, he expressed his frustrations in The Guardian, mentioning how certain peers with fewer accolades enjoy greater financial success. He continues to encounter misconceptions during studio meetings, where his substantial contributions often seem unrecognized.

Hounsou's passion for addressing the ties between African diasporas and their roots led him to establish the Djimon Hounsou Foundation. His aim is to reconnect Afro-descendants with Africa, facilitated by understanding historical and cultural heritages—a mission inspired during the research for "Amistad."

Despite continuing his career and upcoming projects such as a Darren Lynn Bousman horror film and thrillers like "The Zealot," Hounsou remains entwined in both the struggles of systemic issues within Hollywood and the hope of making garments of success for his heritage and the community he champions.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle supported LA Wildfire victims.

Top Articles
What double rainbow means in spiritual sense

Meaning of double rainbow as a spiritual sign from above

Oct 16, 2024 13:27 PM
Symbolism and meaning of crickets

Symbolism and meaning of the cricket as a spirit animal

Oct 15, 2024 13:01 PM

Meaning of the yellow butterfly. Symbolism and spiritual meaning of the encounter

Oct 15, 2024 15:05 PM

Keep seeing the number of angel 2222? Read its spiritual meaning

Oct 14, 2024 17:01 PM
More News
Belly Button Piercing

Beyond Beauty: The Spiritual Symbolism of Belly Button Piercings

Apr 1, 2025 21:16 PM
What does a Palm Mean in Your Dream?

What does a Palm Mean in Your Dream?

Apr 1, 2025 20:54 PM

Three zodiac signs are entering a period ripe for self-reflection and inner growth

Apr 1, 2025 19:52 PM

The Spiritual Meaning of Mushrooms in Your Yard

Apr 1, 2025 17:53 PM
Embracing life's pleasures while being mindful: horoscope for April

Embracing life's pleasures while being mindful: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 17:42 PM
Three Zodiac Signs Facing Tests of Patience

Three Zodiac Signs Facing Tests of Patience

Apr 1, 2025 16:17 PM
Exploring new career paths and seek fresh opportunities: horoscope for April

Exploring new career paths and seek fresh opportunities: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 14:29 PM
Three zodiac signs are set for transformative growth and fulfillment

Three zodiac signs are set for transformative growth and fulfillment

Apr 1, 2025 12:21 PM
The emotional highs and lows may happen more frequently: horoscope for April

The emotional highs and lows may happen more frequently: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 11:18 AM

Three zodiac signs will find themselves imbued with a sense of adventure: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 10:34 AM

The Rotten Egg Smell in Your Home: A Spiritual Meaning

Apr 1, 2025 10:13 AM
Familial Conflicts Ahead for Three Zodiac Signs

Familial Conflicts Ahead for Three Zodiac Signs

Apr 1, 2025 09:51 AM
Three zodiac signs will experience a surge in humor: horoscope for April 1

Three zodiac signs will experience a surge in humor: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 09:08 AM
Three zodiac signs are encouraged to tap into their visionary thinking: horoscope for April 1

Three zodiac signs are encouraged to tap into their visionary thinking: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 08:26 AM
Kneeling Down

The Sacred Posture: The Spiritual Power of Kneeling Across Faiths

Apr 1, 2025 08:03 AM

Three zodiac signs will experience a surge of energy: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 07:43 AM

What Does a Jackal Symbolize in Your Dream?

Apr 1, 2025 07:22 AM
A sense of contentment and happiness: horoscope for April

A sense of contentment and happiness: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 07:03 AM
Three zodiac signs can expect promising career developments

Three zodiac signs can expect promising career developments

Mar 31, 2025 21:37 PM
What does a Cobra mean in your dream?

What does a Cobra mean in your dream?

Mar 31, 2025 20:54 PM
Three zodiac signs are poised to embark on a transformative journey

Three zodiac signs are poised to embark on a transformative journey

Mar 31, 2025 20:33 PM
 Helen Mirren Critiques James Bond Films for ‘Profound Sexism’

Helen Mirren Critiques James Bond Films for ‘Profound Sexism’

Mar 31, 2025 20:15 PM

Three zodiac signs should be ready for a life-altering surge in luck and success at the beginning of 2026

Mar 31, 2025 20:15 PM

Kanye West States He Never Wanted Children with Kim Kardashian

Mar 31, 2025 19:25 PM
Three zodiac signs expected to embrace spontaneity without fear: horoscope for March 31

Three zodiac signs expected to embrace spontaneity without fear: horoscope for March 31

Mar 31, 2025 19:08 PM
Three zodiac signs should embrace new worldviews

Three zodiac signs should embrace new worldviews

Mar 31, 2025 18:46 PM