Hounsou, recognized for his roles in major Hollywood films such as Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond, and Guardians of the Galaxy, spoke openly about his low earnings during an appearance on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers.
The acclaimed actor expressed that, despite receiving two Oscar nominations and being part of numerous successful projects, he still feels undercompensated.
“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,” Hounsou said.
The actor elaborated on his experience of being overlooked at the Oscars, stating that those in charge believed he did not garner sufficient respect. He emphasized that there is still significant progress to be made in terms of diversity, and that systemic racism is unlikely to change in the near future.
“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.
“So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”