Front Row - 24/12/2009

Mark Lawson talks to the names behind the year's cultural headlines, in the second of two programmes examining the major arts stories of 2009. Simon Beaufoy, Oscar-winning screenwriter of Slumdog Millionaire, looks back at the success of the film, which won eight Academy Awards, and reflects on some of the controversy it generated. Booker Prize-winner Hilary Mantel reveals what happened to her on the night of the ceremony, and comedian Lenny Henry discusses winning a best newcomer award at the age of 51, for playing Othello on stage. Plus Kenny Ortega on the switch from directing Michael Jackson's live show to masterminding his memorial, Simon Russell Beale on playing Smiley on Radio 4, and the chart-topping singers The Priests on whether their musical fame will swell the size of their congregations.