Djimon Hounsou is one of the most recognized actors in Hollywood, as the actor has appeared in a wide variety of films. The actor who has been nominated for the Oscars twice opens up about the discrimination in Hollywood, especially in terms of finances. Djimon Hounsou is best known for his supporting roles in films like Shazam, Guardians of the Galaxy, Blood Diamond, In America, and many more films.
The Gladiator actor told during his exclusive interview, despite his impressive contributions to the films, he is underpaid in the industry and is often typecasted into insignificant roles. Because ever since Blood Diamond, the actor has mostly played roles of either a henchman or a sidekick in franchises like Marvel, DC, and Fast and Furious.
Djimon Hounsou Criticizes Hollywood’s Pay Inequality
During an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Djimon Hounsou talked about the inequality in the industry. Moreover, he states that he has seen actors who earn more than him despite having few accomplishments. The actor added that he felt “cheated” as an actor in the industry because he is underpaid but has a tremendous workload.
“I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well-off and have very little of my accolades. So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well.”
The Constantine actor gave an instance from his career where he is looked down from people in the industry. He stated how the people have a limited vision of him and he was frustrated with the limited roles that black actors are being offered in the industry.
I’ve gone to studios for meetings, and they’re like: ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [post-Amistad, his breakout movie with Steven Spielberg]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor. When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that.”
The actor elaborated that he has to constantly prove why he must be paid more. He added that people come to him with minimum pay and sweet talk him into agreeing on the role because he can “bring so much” depth and quality to the film.
“I still have to prove why I need to get paid. They always come at me with a complete low ball: ‘We only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much.”
The actor was disappointed because even though he has worked in popular franchises such as Marvel and DC, he is struggling to “make a dollar.” He is still looking for a film in his career that would pay him “fairly.”
“Film after film, it’s a struggle. I have yet to meet the film that paid me fairly.”
It is insulting because Djimon Hounsou is one of the best talents in the industry. And despite proving his talent numerous times in a variety of roles in different films. The actor would not want to settle for side roles just to get himself in front of the camera.
Why was Djimon Hounsou not Nominated for An Oscar?
Djimon Hounsou was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor twice in his career, once in 2004 and the other in 2007. But ever since the actor has been sidelined because he is not given roles that would catch the attention of the Oscars. Hounsou’s versatile acting is often ignored in films and due to the industry’s stereotypes, he often plays the role of a warrior or a slave.
However, the actor is working in a supporting role in Shazam, and his performance in both films is praiseworthy. The Shazam actor is happy to be a part of the film and contribute to its success because, at the end of the day, it is immensely rewarding to him.
Also Read: “I got paid all my money”: Shazam 2 Director Knew the $125 Million Movie Would Be A Box Office Flop
Shazam! Fury of the Gods can be watched in theatres.
Source: The Guardian
