Beninese-born US movie star Djimon Hounsou has disclosed that he still struggles to make a living despite a decades-long career.

Hounsou is known for appearing in several Hollywood blockbusters including Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond and Guardians of the Galaxy and got candid about his meagre pay while appearing on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers.

The ebony-skinned celeb shared that he is underpaid even with two Oscar nominations and a slew of successful projects.

“I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid,” Hounsou said.

Speaking further, the actor revealed how he was snubbed during the Oscars because those involved didn’t think he commanded enough respect.

According to him, diversity still has a long way to go and systemic racism will not change anytime soon.

“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.

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

The Sun