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.
Bass Reeves and How the West Was Won with David Oyelowo
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.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
8 Mar 2024
It Comes Down to Choice, with Da'Vine Joy Randolph
As we head into Oscars weekend, Black Hollywood has much to be proud of in 2024. Danielle Brooks, Sterling K. Brown, Colman Domingo, Jeffrey Wright, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph all earned nominations. On this episode of Acting Up, Cortney Wills chats with Best Supporting Actress nominee Da’Vine Joy Randolph about her role as Mary Lamb in “The Holdovers.” Da’Vine also shares the wisdom she gained on a path through Yale, to roles in “The Idol” and “Dolemite is My Name” and as the voice of Mama Luna from “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” and Sheila B in “Trolls World Tour.” The Academy Awards airs Sunday, March 10th, at 7 p.m. ET/4p.m. PT
Music courtesy of Transitions Music Corporation
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16 Feb 2024
Say It Loud: The Influential and Complicated Legacy of James Brown
Cortney sits down with filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper to discuss her new documentary, James Brown: SAY IT LOUD. The pair speak about James Brown’s role in the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, Brown’s iconic song “Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud,” slavery’s influence on Black entertainment, the history of hip-hop, r&b, soul, and rock musicians sampling James Brown, and funk music's impact on contemporary genres. Cortney and Deborah also have a nuanced conversation about how to discuss artists with complicated pasts.
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.
Music Courtesy of: Transitions Music Corporation, Black Ice Publishing, Reach Global Songs
Media Clips Courtesy of: A + E Networks
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
14 ratings
Spotify
4.6 / 5
9 ratings
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