In a recent chat with CNN, Djimon Hounsou candidly shared that he faces ongoing challenges as a Hollywood actor, despite numerous roles in big-budget movies and two Academy Award nominations. He attributed his persistent difficulties to the deep-rooted racial bias, or “systemic racism,” that remains pervasive within the film industry.

As a dedicated cinephile and an artist who’s spent three decades immersed in this captivating world, I find myself persistently grappling with the challenge of financial stability. The initial ten years were a journey of adaptation, a quest to carve out my niche within the industry and build my reputation. However, with more than two decades under my belt, numerous Oscar nominations, and roles in blockbuster films, I’m still wrestling with financial hardships. It’s undeniable that I am significantly undercompensated for my contributions to this dynamic field.

He emphasized that systemic racism isn’t a problem you can easily brush aside. It’s pervasive, woven into numerous aspects of our society. Instead of trying to eliminate it, we must learn to navigate it effectively and endure as best as possible.”

Or:

“He stated that systemic racism is not a trivial issue; it runs deep through many parts of our daily life. It’s not something you can eradicate, but rather, you have to find ways to live with it and manage in the most effective way.

Hounsou’s film career in Hollywood spans across various genres, featuring prominent studio releases such as “Furious 7,” two installments of “Shazam!”, Marvel movies like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Captain Marvel,” horror films “A Quiet Place: Part II” and “A Quiet Place: Day One,” and Ridley Scott’s acclaimed blockbuster “Gladiator.” His outstanding performances earned him two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor, in “In America” and “Blood Diamond,” the latter co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio and earning $170 million globally.

Back in 2023, I shared with The Guardian my sentiments about Hollywood pay inequality, stating: “I can’t help but feel like I’ve been shortchanged when I compare myself to some of my peers who have amassed substantial wealth without the same level of recognition as me. It’s not just about the money; it also extends to the workload. The gap between us in terms of financial rewards and the tasks we handle feels unfair.

During meetings at studios, they’d comment: ‘You seem as if you’ve just returned from a journey [after ‘Amistad’], then left again without us realizing you were a professional actor.’ Djimon Hounsou explained this later on. Statements like these show that some people have a narrow view of who you are or what you represent. However, it’s their perception, not mine. It’s my responsibility to change that opinion.

He further stated, “I’m still waiting to show them why I deserve compensation.” He continued, “Time and time again, they offer me a paltry sum: ‘We adore you and believe in your abilities, but this is all we can afford for the position…’ It’s been film after film, a constant battle. I haven’t encountered a single production that compensated me fairly.

Currently, Idris Elba has been seen in Zack Snyder’s latest “Rebel Moon” films on Netflix. Coming up next for him are projects such as “Beneath the Tempest,” a survival drama co-starring Phoebe Dynevor; the suspenseful film “The Devoted,” featuring Kodi Smit-McPhee; and the horror flick “The Fiend,” directed by Darren Lynn Bousman of “Saw” fame.

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2025-01-12 20:46