Two-time Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou recently sat down with CNN’s Larry Madowo on African Voices: Changemakers to discuss his philanthropic venture, the Djimon Hounsou Foundation.
The organization focuses on “strengthening connections among the African diaspora.” During this compelling conversation, the acclaimed actor opened up about his ongoing financial struggles, which he attributes to Hollywood’s persistent systemic racism.

Born in the West African nation of Benin, Hounsou shared a poignant memory with Madowo about his experiences walking along the beaches of Ouidah, where the haunting “Door of No Return” stands as a memorial to enslaved Africans who were forcibly transported from Ouidah’s port to the Americas. The interview took place in Richmond, Virginia—a historically significant location that served as both a major entry point for enslaved people and the Confederate capital during the American Civil War.
During their time in Richmond, Hounsou and Madowo visited the city’s memorial for enslaved Africans. The actor reflected on the profound impact of learning about the slave trade after his arrival in America in 1990.
“I don’t know if I can articulate it in words. For the little that I’ve been experiencing, for the little that I’ve been struggling with in terms of systemic racism, today and all that, just imagine what it was once upon a time here to try and exist as a human being. Just imagine that.”

“It’s just heart wrenching,” he continued. “I feel like my spiritual soul is yelling to the sky and wanting to be seen, to be heard.”
The inspiration for the Djimon Hounsou Foundation emerged from his research for Steven Spielberg‘s 1997 film Amistad, where he portrayed Cinqué, a powerful slave rebellion leader. During the CNN interview, Hounsou revealed a disappointing aspect of his Amistad experience—despite earning a Golden Globe nomination, which typically signals potential Oscar recognition, the Academy overlooked his powerful performance.
“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought that I had just came off the boat and off the streets. Even though I successfully did that [film], they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect. This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism don’t change like that anytime soon.”

Beyond critical recognition, Hounsou’s experiences with Hollywood’s racism extend into the financial realm as well.
“I’m still struggling to make a living,” he said. “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’s career trajectory following Amistad led him to the 2000 Ridley Scott epic Gladiator. His breakthrough moment came with his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Jim Sheridan‘s touching 2002 drama In America.

Lightning struck twice when he earned another nomination in the same category for his compelling performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2007 film Blood Diamond. Recent additions to Hounsou’s filmography include the superhero spectacle Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the gaming adaptation Gran Turismo, both installments of Rebel Moon, and the highly anticipated A Quiet Place: Day One.
Despite his packed filming schedule, Hounsou continues to face compensation disparities. “Growing up, you’re one of the first big Black actors I saw in big budget films,” CNN’s Larry Madowo told Hounsou in the interview. “So [being underpaid is] mind-boggling to me.”
“Well, that’s a sign for you that systemic racism is not something that you can deal with lightly,” Hounsou replied. “You have to cope with it and survive the best way you can.”