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.

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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. 
2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Show
September 12, 2023
Whether performing “Bongos” alongside Cardi B or chopping it up with Justin Timberlake, Megan Thee Stallion is clearly in her comeback era.
Team Dream
September 23, 2022
An interview with Luchina Fisher, director of “Team Dream,” the inspirational short film that follows two brilliant Black swimmers.
September 17, 2022
Starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbeda, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega, “The Woman King” has heart and humanity in every frame.
Zendaya made history in more ways than one at the 74th Emmy Awards after her win for Outstanding Lead Actress for “Euphoria.”
September 12, 2022
Check out some of our favorite fashions from the 74th Emmy Awards where stars like Kerry Washington and Quinta Brunta looked fabulous.
August 26, 2022
John Boyega reveals what went into his portrayal of real life veteran, Brian Brown-Easley in the new film, “Breaking.”
August 18, 2022
Idris Elba speaks on his starring role in the Will Packer-produced thriller “Beast” and reveals his scariest animal encounter
Charlamagne Tha God speaks on his mental health journey, Angela Yee’s exit and Comedy Central’s “Hell of a Week“ on “Acting Up” podcast.
Actress Holly Robinson Peete Honored With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
August 12, 2022
Holly Robinson Peete is back with a brand new project on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and theGrio caught up with the actress.
Amanda Seales
Actress, comedian, and social justice advocate Amanda Seales discusses her new standup tour, Roe v. Wade, and more on Acting Up.
July 25, 2022
Chinonye Chukwu unveils first official trailer for “TILL” starring Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie Till Mobley and Jalyn Hall as Emmett Till.
July 22, 2022
After months of anticipation, audiences will discover what the long-awaited “Nope” from Jordan Peele is about. It opens July 22.
Showtime’s latest release The First Lady is causing quite the stir among viewers of the project that stars Viola Davis as Michelle Obama…
March 26, 2022
Samuel L. Jackson, Danny Glover, and more honored at the 12th annual Governors Awards to kick off Oscar weekend
Fast Company Innovation Festival - Day 3
Will Packer reveals his journey as the producer of the Academy Awards and takes us inside the Oscars on the latest episode of ‘Acting Up.’
February 26, 2022
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hit the stage at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards to accept the President’s Award on Saturday night
February 26, 2022
Check out the full list of winners from the televised portion of the 53rd annual NAACP Image Awards hosted by Anthony Anderson.
Audra McDonald and Dr. Erica Dunbar discuss how HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’ illuminates the truth about the Black elite.