A ‘special’ night for ‘Munich’

It wasn’t really a premiere. But Tuesday’s “special private screening” of “Munich” at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater was about as close to one as Steven Spielberg’s new film will get.

Spielberg, having just arrived from New York, talked to friends such as Variety’s Army Archerd and CNN host Larry King. It was a low-key affair, offering light fare, drinks and a dessert table.

A small group of photographers was allowed to shoot the director posing with “Munich” stars Eric Bana and Daniel Craig, screenwriter Tony Kushner and producer Kathleen Kennedy.

The loudest party buzz was over Patrick Goldstein’s column that day in The Times about the “Munich” awards marketing mess and the early backlash about the content of the film. Spielberg’s longtime publicist Marvin Levy shook his head when he spoke of Goldstein’s piece, then waved his hands as if to shoo the story from existence or memory, or both.

But Spielberg did, as Universal reps had hoped, speak briefly with the press.

“Before all the other noise gets in the way of what our intentions were, this is a human story,” Spielberg said, “told with a tremendous amount of empathy and told in a very balanced fashion, and I’m very proud of that.”

The arrival of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie -- minutes before the 7 p.m. screening began and moments after Spielberg had left -- was perfect, for no-publicity purposes. The lobby was nearly empty, and all the cameras had left.

Angie wore slim black slacks, a black cashmere poncho (disguising that much rumored baby bump?) and high heels, looking way more elegant than Brad, who was in jeans, work boots and a baseball cap.

“Congratulations,” Brad whispered to Bana as he gave his “Troy” pal a big bear hug and hearty back slap.

The three then quickly slid into the already darkened theater.

Wishing a G’day, and good fashion

With Naomi Watts poised for awards nods for her role as the heroine in “King Kong,” Australian designers hope to make a big splash in the L.A. market.

That’s no doubt why the Australian Designers Showcase, presented by Hardy Wines, will take place at the Hollywood Palladium on Jan. 18.

Top Down Under designers Toni Maticevski, Aurelio Costarella, White Suede, Gail Sorronda, Wheels & Doll Baby, Dogstar and It Girl will present their wares to stylists, buyers and stars, as part of G’Day LA: Australia Week.

Simon P. Lock, managing director of IMG Fashion Asia Pacific and founder of Mercedes Australian Fashion Week boasts, “Australian designers are world class, and international showcases such as this event will cement our reputation for breeding truly innovative and professional fashion business and dynamic brands.”

Expected stars include Nicole Kidman and new beau Keith Urban, Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Rachel Griffiths, Melissa George and Olivia Newton-John. Watts may show up too, schedule permitting.

Press-shy Malick pulls a surprise

Was that notoriously press-phobic director Terrence Malick in the Regent Beverly Wilshire ballroom at last week’s lavish after-bash for the premiere of his film “The New World”?

Sure was. And few were more shocked than some of the New Line studio folks. “He wasn’t going to do anything but Berlin,” marveled one staffer.

The brunt of the ballroom banter was about “The Chronicle of Narnia’s” talking beavers trouncing the Big Ape’s “soft” box-office opening.

One sharp-suited gal argued that good word-of-mouth would undoubtedly boost Universal’s “King Kong,” Peter Jackson’s follow-up to his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy partnership with New Line.

“A movie that costs $200 million to make shouldn’t have to rely on word-of-mouth,” replied a naysayer.

True. But tell that to James Cameron (if you can find his submarine), whose expensive “Titanic” took two weeks to hit the $100-million mark but went on to win 11 Oscars and take in more than $1 billion worldwide.

Barbra’s sense of style is on display

The Grammy Awards aren’t far off -- Wednesday, Feb. 8, to be precise.

But if you’re one of those folks (and we know you’re out there) who think the awards show’s fashion sense has been going downhill ever since

Barbra Streisand wore that faaabulous silver “A Star Is Born” gown in 1977 to present a Grammy to George Benson, you’re in luck.

Fans can see Babs’ metallic gown at the Hollywood Museum, located in the Max Factor Building, in the exhibit “Barbra Streisand: The Legacy Collection,” through Feb. 1.

Also on display are gowns and wardrobe worn by Streisand in films such as “The Way We Were,” “Yentl,” and “A Star Is Born,” as well as TV shows: “My Name Is Barbra,” “Color Me Barbra,” “Judy (Garland) and Friends.”

The exhibit was assembled by Lou Papalas, who claims to own the largest collection of Barbra Streisand memorabilia in the world and operates the BarbraShop in Palm Springs. More than 1,000 items are on exhibit, including high school yearbooks, club contracts and set decor from her films.

Kinda frightening, isn’t it? Hey, everyone needs a hobby. Go to www.thehollywoodmuseum.comfor more information.

Elizabeth Snead writes “Styles & Scenes” as a blog for The Envelope (theenvelope.com), a Times website devoted to Hollywood’s awards season. She can be reached at elizabeth .snead@latimes.com.