Chris Kyle’s widow’s most noticeable accessory Sunday night at the Academy Awards wasn’t her emerald green gown or her studded clutch, but something she brought with her that belonged to her late husband: his dog tags.
Taya Kyle, whose husband’s life inspired “American Sniper,” hadn’t expected to make it to the Hollywood event.
“I wanted to support everyone who made this movie representing real veteran families, but I didn’t think I had the energy to show up at the Oscars, let alone be presentable,” she said before the show.
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“So, I find myself in a surreal position…like Cinderella who scrubs the floors but has a fairy Godmother (Warner Brothers) who got me on a plane and had a dress and jewelry and even the shoes and Spanx waiting for me.”
Despite bringing in a massive $400 million plus at the box office since its December release, “American Sniper” got largely shut out by the Academy.
Though the Clint Eastwood-directed film had six nominations, including Best Picture, it won only one for best sound editing. (RELATED: ‘American Sniper’ Got Completely Snubbed By The Academy)
(Photo: Getty Images)
Taya had a flight back to Texas after the Oscars ended so she could attend the murder trial for Eddie Ray Routh, the man accused of killing Chris and another at a gun range in February 2013.
“I am here. To represent my husband, military families and the beautiful people who put more than they had to to make this movie happen.”