Caitlyn Jenner Creates Big Apple Frenzy (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

Caitlyn Jenner stepped out with new best friend Diane Sawyer Monday night in NYC, and she has the paparazzi eating out of the palm of her hand.

It's pretty incredible ... the flurry of questions Bruce Jenner faced over the last few years are all gone ... and now it's all glam and respect as the paps fought to get an over-the-shoulder shot.

Caitlyn and Diane did not know each other before their interview, but we're told they hit it off and created a warm friendship.