Film Fest Reaches Fever Pitch With Pitt Appearance

If there’s one thing that makes women scream, it’s Brad Pitt.

And that’s exactly what hundreds did Saturday night, as the actor walked the red carpet solo in front of a frenzied crowd outside the premiere of his new film, Babel.

Dressed all in black, Pitt took his time signing autographs in front of Roy Thompson Hall as part of the Toronto International Film Festival. He praised those that worked with him on the film, including Babel director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

“I’m just really happy,” he said.  “Anytime you put a lot of work into it and it comes out nice – it really goes to the cast and Alejandro. He did an exquisite job – an amazing job.”

Still, as happy as he is, the new dad said he was prepared to pass on partying at the fest Saturday night, citing an “early call.”

“I’m here because it’s important and we want our film to be seen here,” he said.

Pitt’s kept a low profile since the birth of his daughter with Angelina Jolie earlier in 2006, but his relationship with the A-lister didn’t stop one female admirer from hoisting a giant painting bearing his likeness.

And Pitt wasn’t the only one causing flash bulbs to pop. Hundreds of fans greeted Russell Crowe when the Aussie actor appeared for the world premiere of his new vehicle, “A Good Year.”

And despite Crowe’s prickly reputation, those that worked with him on the film had only good things to say about the star.

“The prerogative of a good working relationship, I think, is to be able to actually shout at each other,” said Ridley Scott, who directed the adaptation of the Peter Mayle book.

Perhaps most curiously, former ‘N Sync star Lance Bass was also on hand for the gala with his reality star boyfriend Reichen Lehmkuhl. Bass said he had seen a number of films at the festival, and that he was enjoying the party circuit.