Hollywood star ‘still struggling to make a living’ despite 2 Oscar noms – NJ.com
Djimon Hounsou speaks about financial difficulties and equal pay despite high accolades. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/APDjimon Hounsou is a two-time Oscar nominee and starred in films such as “Gladiator” and “Amistad.” But he’s not reaping the financial opportunities for his prestigious filmography.The actor, 60, spoke about his experiences during CNN’s “African Voices Changemakers.”“I’m still struggling to make a living,” he said. “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.”Hounsou has also acted in big tentpole films such as “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Shazam,” and “A Quiet Place Part II.” Despite these accolades, Hounsou feels he has yet to meet a film that has “paid him fairly.”The actor also spoke about the 1997 Oscars and feeling snubbed not receiving a nomination for his role as Cinqué in “Amistad” that year.“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,” he claimed. “Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.”Hounsou will star in thrillers “Beneath The Storm” and “The Zealot,” slated to release sometime in 2025.Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.comIf you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025).© 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.YouTube’s privacy policy is available here and YouTube’s terms of service is available here.Ad Choices
