"American Sniper," the critically acclaimed film based on the autobiography of the same name by Odessa native Chris Kyle, is up for a Best Picture Oscar.

The story of Chris Kyle is well-known around these parts. Kyle was a Texas native who loved the rodeo and country music. He was also the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history, with a confirmed 160 kills during his four tours in Iraq. His deadly precision earned him the nickname "Devil of Ramadi" among insurgents.

Eastwood and Cooper are being hailed for their work by Kyle's widow Taya, who has had nothing but positive words to say about the movie.

His untimely death in 2013 is still gut-wrenching as I for one still try to make sense of it.

At the time of his death, Kyle was being sued by former U.S. Navy Seal Jesse Ventura over an incident in the book the movie was based on. Kyle claimed he had punched Ventura at a bar after he had made some disparaging remarks about the war and U.S. Navy Seals.

Ventura didn't drop the suit even after Kyle was murdered, winning nearly $2 million from Kyle's widow when a soulless jury voted in favor of Ventura.

Ironically, Ventura claimed the suit was all about clearing his good name and reputation, but the outrage over the outcome has cast Ventura into the shadows and his reputation is arguably tarnished forever.

Let's hope that "American Sniper" can clean house this year. You can see the movie's competition in its respective categories below.

The 2015 Oscars will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2015 in Hollywood and televised live on ABC at 7:00 pm EST.

Best Picture
‘American Sniper’
‘Boyhood’
‘Birdman’
‘The Imitation Game’
‘Selma’
‘The Theory of Everything’
‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’
‘Whiplash’

Best Actor
Bradley Cooper, ‘American Sniper’
Michael Keaton, ‘Birdman’
Eddie Redmayne, ‘The Theory of Everything’
Benedict Cumberbatch, ‘The Imitation Game’
Steve Carell, 'Foxcatcher'

Watch the trailer for "American Sniper"

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