Home > News > Marvel and DC Actor Djimon Hounsou Says He Is 'Struggling To Make A Living' in Hollywood Despite 2 Oscar Nods

Marvel and DC Actor Djimon Hounsou Says He Is 'Struggling To Make A Living' in Hollywood Despite 2 Oscar Nods

By NatalieFeb 24,2025

Djimon Hounsou, a prolific actor with credits spanning Marvel, DC, Netflix, and numerous other major studios, recently revealed his ongoing financial struggles in Hollywood. Despite two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) and a long list of blockbuster appearances, Hounsou claims he is consistently underpaid.

In a recent interview with CNN, Hounsou stated, "I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid."

Djimon Hounsou. Image credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images for The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.
This sentiment mirrors his 2023 comments to The Guardian, where he expressed feeling "cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well," comparing his financial situation to more financially successful colleagues with fewer accolades.

Hounsou, a Black actor from Benin, also alluded to the impact of racism and xenophobia on his career. He recounted instances where studio executives expressed surprise at his continued presence in Hollywood, suggesting perceptions of him as a limited or temporary presence. He resolved to overcome these limiting perceptions, stating, "It’s up to me to redeem that."

Hounsou's extensive filmography includes recent roles in A Quiet Place: Day One, the Rebel Moon films (Netflix), Gran Turismo, The King's Man, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Captain Marvel, Fast and Furious 7, and many more.

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