Actor and producer David Oyelowo joins Cortney to talk about his latest passion project, Lawmen: Bass Reeves. The project is a Western television miniseries based on the life of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves. David and Cortney talk about the hurdles of getting the project made, why Black Westerns are important narratives to tell, and the complexities of playing a Black member of law enforcement in the 19th Century. Cortney also does a dive into Beyonce’s latest album “Cowboy Carter,” and analyzes how the record may be particularly impactful during this year’s election cycle.

Acting Up is all about Black Hollywood, who's making noise, who's making a difference, and how they're moving the needle regarding representation. 

Cortney Wills has forged deep connections with creatives, actors, directors, producers, writers, executives, and the real decision-makers who shape how our community is represented onscreen, giving Acting Up access to the inner workings of Hollywood.

Actor and producer David Oyelowo joins Cortney to talk about his latest passion project, Lawmen: Bass Reeves. The project is a Western television miniseries based on the life of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves. David and Cortney talk about the hurdles of getting the project made, why Black Westerns are important narratives to tell, and the complexities of playing a Black member of law enforcement in the 19th Century. Cortney also does a dive into Beyonce’s latest album “Cowboy Carter,” and analyzes how the record may be particularly impactful during this year’s election cycle.
Acting Up is all about Black Hollywood, who's making noise, who's making a difference, and how they're moving the needle regarding representation. 
Cortney Wills has forged deep connections with creatives, actors, directors, producers, writers, executives, and the real decision-makers who shape how our community is represented onscreen, giving Acting Up access to the inner workings of Hollywood.

Acting up is smart, relevant and dedicated to supporting Black Excellence in Hollywood. Hosted by Cortney Wills, TheGrio’s Entertainment Director and pop culture junkie, covering music, TV and film since 2005, she guides us through one-on-one conversations with icons, celebrities, actors, producers, directors, and all the Black people who keep this industry thriving. 

Acting up is smart, relevant and dedicated to supporting Black Excellence in Hollywood. Hosted by Cortney Wills, TheGrio&rsquo;s Entertainment Director and pop culture junkie, covering music, TV and film since 2005, she guides us through one-on-one conversations with icons, celebrities, actors, producers, directors, and all the Black people who keep this industry thriving.

Acting Up

"Acting Up” features intimate conversations with the creatives, executives, and decision-makers who are truly moving the needle when it comes to representation in Hollywood and beyond. In each episode, theGrio’s Entertainment Director Cortney Wills gets real with actors, writers, producers, directors, executives, and insiders who shape how our communities are represented on screens big and small. Through poignant commentary and in-depth interviews, she explores how Hollywood continues to influence so many aspects of our lives, from beauty standards to political participation, from how the rest of the world sees Black America to how they see themselves.

"Acting Up” features intimate conversations with the creatives, executives, and decision-makers who are truly moving the needle when it comes to representation in Hollywood and beyond. In each episode, theGrio’s Entertainment Director Cortney Wills gets real with actors, writers, producers, directors, executives, and insiders who shape how our communities are represented on screens big and small. Through poignant commentary and in-depth interviews, she explores how Hollywood continues to influence so many aspects of our lives, from beauty standards to political participation, from how the rest of the world sees Black America to how they see themselves.

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