A Two-Time Oscar Nominee Complains of Financial Difficulties (7 photos)
Djimon Hounsou began his acting career in the early 90s and starred in blockbusters such as Gladiator and Guardians of the Galaxy. He has twice been nominated for an Oscar for his supporting roles in In America and Blood Diamond. However, the 60-year-old actor has admitted that he is underpaid and has also spoken out about systemic racism in the entertainment industry and in the United States as a whole. 
“I’m still trying to make a living. "I've been in the industry for over two decades, I've been nominated for two Oscars and I've done a lot of blockbusters, but I'm struggling financially. I'm definitely underpaid," he told CNN's African Voices Changemakers. 
In Amistad
Born in Benin, West Africa, Djimon moved to France at age 13 and began a career as a model and dancer in music videos for artists including Tina Turner and Janet Jackson. 
"Blood Diamond"
In 1990, he moved to Los Angeles (USA) and started with small roles, including in "Stargate" with James Spader and Kurt Russell. Success came to him after filming in Steven Spielberg's 1997 film "Amistad".
Djimon's other film credits include "Furious 7", the "A Quiet Place" franchise, "Tarzan. Legend, Gran Turismo, Captain Marvel. 
"Amistad" was a real challenge for me, it was my first time working with Steven Spielberg. "Blood Diamond" was also a challenge, because it touches on social issues that we face today," the actor admitted. 
Still from the drama "In America"
Khonsu believes that his work in "Amistad" was unfairly ignored: "I was nominated for a Golden Globe, but I was not accepted to the Oscars, they considered me a newcomer from the street. I successfully coped with my task, but I was not perceived as an actor worthy of respect. We have yet to realize the idea of equality. Systemic racism is not going away anytime soon." 
Djimon Hounsou and Lupita Nyong'o in A Quiet Place: Day One
