About Cortney Wills

Cortney M. Wills is the Entertainment Director at TheGrio and host of our latest podcast initiative, Acting Up.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, the Medill alum began her career at Time Inc. and has since covered music, film, television, and pop culture for numerous publications including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, MTV News, JET, and more.
Much of her work at TheGrio focuses on holding Hollywood accountable and examines how stories about our people, our culture, and our communities are being told on screens big and small.
She’s currently based in Los Angeles where she resides with her husband and children.

All Articles

March 17, 2024
Superstar R&B artist Usher Raymond was honored as entertainer of the year and received the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards. 
March 12, 2024
Here’s a rundown of five unseen moments from the star-studded 96th Academy Awards that premiered on Sunday, March 10, in Los Angeles.
2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards -  Arrivals
March 8, 2024
Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a force in Hollywood and the actress is finally getting the attention and respect she deserves.
Screen Actors Guild Awards, SAG Awards, 2024 SAG Award, Red Carpet Stlye, Celebrity Style, Black Celebrity Style, Black Hollywood, Awards Season, 2024 Awards Season, Fashion, theGrio.com
March 4, 2024
The multi-talented actress Danielle Brooks earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her turn as Sofia in “The Color Purple.”
February 25, 2024
Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King speaks on being the first Black person honored with The Milestone award at the PGA Awards.
Danielle Brooks speaks on her SAG Award nominations and how she plans to celebrate “The Color Purple” success
Check out these new documentaries for Black History Month that range from learning fun historical facts to exploring political deep dives.
February 13, 2024
Actors Sterling K. Brown, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and other nominees were out in Beverly Hills on Monday for the 96th Oscars nominees luncheon.
February 5, 2024
Jay-Z criticized the Recording Academy for Beyoncé’s “Album of the Year” loss to Harry Styles in 2023 during his acceptance speech on Sunday.
January 19, 2024
“Origin,” the project written, directed, and executive produced by Ava DuVernay, hits theaters nationwide and is a must-see.
January 19, 2024
TheGrio sat down with the “Origin” cast to find out what went into getting this movie made and how important it is for people to see it. 
December 21, 2023
This new iteration of the beloved book, musical and film doesn’t have just one star, but several passionate, proud leading ladies.
December 19, 2023
After winning over crowds at Sundance and the New York Film Festival, the HBO Original documentary, “Going to Mars: The …
Oprah Winfrey Hosts Special Los Angeles Event For Paramount 's "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" - Arrivals
December 16, 2023
It’s already time for the season finale of “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” and its hard to believe the fantastic drama that stars David …
December 15, 2023
Whether you’re looking for a history lesson, a true crime tale or a peek inside the lives of a celebrity, there’s a documentary for everyone.
Save The Music Celebrates 25 years With Adam Blackstone, Becky G,  Cindy Mabe, LL Cool J And More!
December 14, 2023
Each year the holiday season brings forth a bevy of albums aimed at celebrating the season, but it’s rare to find one as interesting …
Don Cheadle, TheGrio Awards, thegrio.com
November 26, 2023
Don Cheadle possesses many talents that make him an indispensable force in the entertainment industry. His primary artistry as a movie …
2022 Essence Festival Of Culture - Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - Day 1
September 23, 2023
Angelica Ross announces she’s leaving Hollywood to pursue politics after revealing conflicts with Ryan Murphy
Photo & video credit: SHERRI/Debmar-Mercury
September 13, 2023
Here’s why “Sherri” and “Tamron Hall” can return to TV without getting picketed amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike.
2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Show
September 13, 2023
The VMAs, where Minaj hosted and performed, had familiar faces, new talent and lots of millennials flipping over blasts from the past.