Taya Kyle, the widow of American Sniper inspiration U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, attended the Academy Awards Sunday in his place.

Taya Kyle Attends The Oscars

American Sniper, adapted from Chris Kyle’s memoir of the same name, was nominated in a slew of categories at the 87th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Bradley Cooper), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The movie only ended up taking home the film editing honor, but Kyle revealed on the red carpet that Cooper gave a winning performance in her book.

“He absolutely got it right,” Kyle said of Cooper in a red carpet interview. “I’m so grateful for everything that went into this movie. … This is something [Chris] would be proud of.”

Prior to heading to the star-studded Hollywood event, Kyle took to Facebook to share her gratitude for getting a chance to be there in place of her husband.

“I am in beautiful Southern California courtesy of Warner Brothers who have been exceptional to work with in every aspect. Turns out they are like the fairy GodMother for a regular woman who has kids, a murder trial for her beloved and dear friend and am honestly exhausted,” Kyle wrote. “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. 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.”

“And so it is. 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,” Kyle continued. “I have a red eye flight scheduled to get me back for the trial on Monday morning. I am praying the impending ice storm in Texas doesn’t inhibit a safe trip home. I hope I look better for the evening tonight. I am blessed to have my beautiful loving sister with me to hold my hand and dry my tears from what is sure to be an emotional evening.”

Kyle hit the red carpet in a green, strapless gown, holding a silver clutch in one hand and her late husband’s dog tags in the other.