Chicago, Jan 12 (UNI) Two-time Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou, renowned for his performances in films like "Blood Diamond" and "Gladiator", has shed light on his financial struggles despite decades in Hollywood.

In a recent interview on CNN's African Voices Changemakers, the 60 year old actor revealed that despite over two decades in the industry, he continues to struggle financially.

"I’m still struggling to make a living," he said. "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", according to a report by PEOPLE.

Hounsou also reflected on his breakthrough role as Clinqué in Steven Spielberg's 1997 historical drama "Amistad", a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination but was overlooked by the Oscars.

"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," he claimed. "Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect."

Hounsou believes the entertainment industry still has a long way to go in achieving true diversity. "This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon," he remarked.

Pay inequality, particularly for actors of colour, is another issue he emphasised. In a previous interview with The Guardian, Hounsou disclosed that he has yet to be fairly compensated for his work. “I still have to prove why I need to get paid," he continued. "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.' "

"Viola Davis said it beautifully. She's won an Oscar, she's won an Emmy, she's won a Tony and she still can't get paid,” Hounsou told the outlet, referencing Davis’ past vocal comments about wage discrimination in the industry.

Hounsou's experience in Hollywood inspired him to create the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, which aims to reconnect the African diaspora with their heritage. The actor explained that his research for "Amistad" opened his eyes to the disconnect many African-descendants feel from their cultural roots.

“I had this compelling need to do something for my people for my continent, and that was really what compelled me to start my [foundation] so many years later," Hounsou commented. UNI XC SSP