Mon Jan 13 07:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Hollywood Veteran Djimon Hounsou Speaks Out Against Systemic Racism and Underpayment

**Los Angeles, CA** – Acclaimed actor Djimon Hounsou, known for his roles in films like “Amistad” and “Blood Diamond,” has revealed the ongoing struggles he faces as a person of color in Hollywood. In a recent interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, the 60-year-old Benin-born actor stated that despite a two-decade career, including two Oscar nominations and numerous blockbuster films, he is consistently underpaid.

“I’m still struggling to make a living,” Hounsou shared. “I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades…and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”

Hounsou also alleges he was overlooked by the Academy Awards for his Golden Globe-nominated performance in Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad,” claiming he was perceived as an outsider lacking the respect afforded to established actors. He believes this reflects a broader issue of systemic racism within the industry.

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

This isn’t the first time Hounsou has spoken out about unfair compensation. He previously told The Guardian he “has yet to meet the film that paid me fairly,” echoing similar sentiments expressed by Viola Davis. His experiences, particularly his work on “Amistad,” inspired him to establish the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, aiming to reconnect the African diaspora with their roots and address the lasting impact of slavery.

“My acting work really opened my eyes,” Hounsou explained. The foundation’s “Africa Reconnect” initiative focuses on strengthening intergenerational identity and self-awareness by bridging the gap between the diaspora and the African continent. Hounsou’s candid statements highlight the persistent challenges faced by many Black actors in Hollywood, despite significant achievements and contributions to the film industry.

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