‘American Sniper’: Chris Kyle’s Widow Walks Red Carpet at Academy Awards

Chris Kyle’s widow walked the red carpet at the Academy Awards.

ByABC News
February 23, 2015, 9:18 AM

— -- Taya Kyle, the widow of former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, whose life was portrayed in the hit film, American Sniper,” walked on the red carpet of the Academy Awards to show her support for the film and military families.

"I wanted to be here to represent Chris obviously," Kyle told Robin Roberts at Sunday night's awards. "It's not the ideal time to do that but I still want to embrace everything that he should be here to do with me."

"American Sniper" was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Adapted Screenplay. The film was awarded an Oscar in one category, Best Achievement in Sound Editing.

Kyle, who was considered the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, served four tours in Iraq and helped found a veterans organization.

He also wrote a best-selling autobiography, which served as the basis for the film "American Sniper," starring Bradley Cooper and directed by Clint Eastwood.

Closing arguments are expected this week in the trial of Eddie Ray Routh, the man accused of murder in the shooting deaths of the former Navy SEAL and Kyle's friend, Chad Littlefield, at a Texas gun range in February 2013.

Routh faces life in prison if he is found guilty of the charges. Routh’s attorney has entered a plea that his client is not guilty by reason of insanity.

A psychiatrist for the prosecution has said Routh knew what he was doing was wrong.

ABC News’ Ali Ehrlich, Meghan Keneally and Emily Shapiro contributed to this report.