‘Gladiator’ & ‘Rebel Moon’ Star Djimon Hounsou On Hollywood Racism & Money Struggles

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Actor Djimon Hounsou recently discussed his non-profit organization, the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, during an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo for “African Voices: Changemakers”. This foundation aims to foster unity among people of African descent. In the discussion, Hounsou candidly shared that he faces financial difficulties as a result of the systemic racism prevalent in Hollywood.

Born in Benin, a West African nation, Idris Elba spoke about his memories of strolling along Ouidah’s beaches in an interview with CNN, where he recounted seeing the “Door of No Return,” a monument honoring the enslaved Africans who were shipped from Ouidah to the Americas via this port. Interestingly, Elba and his interviewer had their recent conversation in Richmond, Virginia – a city significant as both a key entry point for slaves arriving in the United States and the capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

Additionally, Hounsou and Madowo paid a visit to the memorial dedicated to enslaved Africans in Richmond. Here, Hounsou was reminded of the sorrow he experienced upon arriving in America back in 1990, as he gained a deeper understanding of the Atlantic slave trade.

It’s difficult for me to put into words my feelings about the small amount of experiences and struggles I’ve had regarding systemic racism. Today, and in general, consider how challenging it must have been just to survive as a human being here in times past.

He also said, “It’s deeply saddening,” but it seems as though his emotional core yearns to cry out aloud, craving for recognition and understanding.

The idea for Djimon Hounsou’s foundation was sparked during his research for the role of Cinqué in Steven Spielberg’s 1997 film “Amistad.” This role as a slave rebellion leader inspired him. In a CNN interview, Hounsou mentioned that although he received a Golden Globe nomination, which is often a sign of potential Oscar recognition, he was not awarded an Academy Award for his performance in Amistad.

Although I was nominated for the Golden Globe, I wasn’t recognized at the Oscars. Some people may have assumed I was new or inexperienced, despite my successful film performance. Regardless, it seemed they didn’t see me as a deserving actor worthy of recognition. The idea of diversity still has progress to make, and change from systemic racism won’t happen overnight.

Hounsou encounters racism in Hollywood not only in a critical sense, but also a financial one.

He admitted that despite having spent more than two decades working in the film industry, achieving multiple Oscar nominations and appearing in numerous box-office hits, he continues to face financial difficulties. In essence, he feels significantly undercompensated for his work.

“You Have to Cope With It and Survive the Best Way You Can.”

After his role in Amistad, Hounsou made an appearance in Ridley Scott’s 2000 hit movie, Gladiator. His first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor came with his performance in the 2002 film directed by Jim Sheridan, titled In America. He was also recognized in the same category for his acting alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2007 movie, Blood Diamond. Recent films featuring Hounson include Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Gran Turismo, The Rebel Moon movies (first two installments), and A Quiet Place: Day One.

Even with a demanding workload, Hounsou continues to receive inadequate remuneration. In an interview, Larry Madowo of CNN remarked, “You were one of the first prominent Black actors I saw in major films when I was growing up. So it’s hard for me to comprehend that you’re not being paid fairly.

In essence, he was saying, “That’s an indication for you that tackling systemic racism requires more than a casual approach.” He suggested that one must find ways to navigate through it and endure as effectively as possible.

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2025-01-12 21:32