The art of the very big deal

WHO says the expensive Hollywood premiere is dead? Studios are still parting with big bucks to throw star-studded affairs designed to build Oscar buzz and boost egos. 1. For “Babel,” Brad Pitt flew 20 hours to make a “special screening” in Westwood last Sunday. He signed autographs but was too pooped to party at the Hammer Museum, where guests such as Paramount’s Brad Grey, Zach Braff and Salma Hayek sampled the multicultural food offerings. 2. Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, left, with Michael Pena. 3. Costar Cate Blanchett, wearing a Ralph Lauren shirtwaist gown. 4. “Bobby” opened the AFI Film Festival, then writer-director Emilio Estevez and his cast -- including Freddy Rodriguez, left, with Ashton Kutcher, and Estevez’s Brat Pack pal Demi Moore -- went to the Roosevelt Hotel for an after-party inside (and poolside).

-- Elizabeth Snead