Djimon Hounsou says he’s ‘still struggling to make a living’ despite decades-long career, Oscar nominations: ‘I’m definitely underpaid’

Djimon Hounsou said he’s “still struggling” financially despite his decades-long career and award nominations.

“I’m still struggling to make a living,” he said on a recent episode of CNN’s “African Voices Changemakers.”

“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 added.

The actor, who has starred in several films such as “Blood Diamond” and “Gladiator,” said he believes he was snubbed by the Academy Awards for his breakout role as Cinqué in the 1997 film “Amistad.”

“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, 60, shared that Hollywood still has a lot of progress to make toward diversity in the entertainment industry.

“This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon,” he said.

The “A Quiet Place Part II” star, who immigrated to the US when he was 23, has previously spoken out about trying to obtain fair compensation.

In March 2023, he said he had “yet to meet the film that paid me fairly” during an interview with the Guardian.

“I still have to prove why I need to get paid,” he said at the time.

“They always come at me with a complete low ball: ‘We only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much.’”

Hounsou noted Viola Davis’ past comments about wage discrimination in Hollywood.

“Viola Davis said it beautifully. She’s won an Oscar, she’s won an Emmy, she’s won a Tony and she still can’t get paid,” he continued.