Front Row

We reveal this year's Costa Book Awards shortlists. Critics Alex Clark and Toby Lichtig discuss the books chosen in the five categories: novel, first novel, poetry, biography and children's fiction. Category winners will appear on the programme in January and Front Row will announce the overall prize-winner on 29 January 2019.Documentary maker Sean McAllister reveals what has happened in the week after his film, Northern Soul, was shown on BBC Two. He explains what has happened with Steve Arnott's Beats Bus after his crowdfunding page surpasses its target.Shoplifters, a warm-hearted Japanese film about a family of small-time crooks, won the top prize, the Palme d’Or, at this year’s Cannes Festival Film. As it is released into UK cinemas, cultural historian of Japan Dr Chris Harding gives his verdict on the film, its depiction of contemporary Tokyo and the controversy around its success.The Ben Uri Gallery and Museum has seen eleven members of its international advisory panel, including Sir Nicholas Serota –