D.C. ‘American Sniper’ Screening Attracts Bradley Cooper, Political Stars

Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper was in town Jan. 13 for a screening of his new film, “American Sniper,” which was directed by Clint Eastwood. The movie is based on the autobiography of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, one of the most lethal snipers in U.S. history, and details his tours in Iraq and his battle with posttraumatic stress disorder upon arriving home. A Marine Corps veteran whom Kyle had brought to a shooting range to help calm his PTSD killed Kyle in 2013.

Kyle’s widow, Taya Kyle, attended the screening held in the Burke Theater at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Vice President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) were also in attendance. Biden was “moved to tears during the final sequence,” at the screening according to the Daily Beast.

The movie has received largely positive reviews and was nominated Jan. 15 for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and a number of more minor Academy Awards. Cooper was nominated as Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Kyle. “American Sniper” was snubbed at the Golden Globes, with no nominations in any category.

A Georgetown University alum, Cooper was spotted dining at Café Milano on Prospect Street after the screening. The restaurant is somewhat of a haunt for Cooper, who was last seen there in 2010 with then-girlfriend Renée Zellweger.