Michelle Obama joins Bradley Cooper at veterans event, praises ‘American Sniper’

First lady Michelle Obama offered praise for Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” on Friday while speaking at an event to promote accurate portrayals of veterans in entertainment.

“The No. 1 movie in America right now is a complex, emotional depiction of a veteran and his family,” the first lady said at the event in Washington, D.C., organized by the group Got Your 6, The Associated Press reported.

Bradley Cooper, who is nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role in “American Sniper” as the late Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, was one of the panelists at the event.

“Here’s why a movie like this is important: See, the vast majority of Americans will never see these stories,” the first lady said. “They will never grasp these issues on an emotional level without portrayals like this.”

Mrs. Obama said the film “reflects those wrenching stories” she’s heard from veterans. “The complicated moral decisions they are tasked with every day. The stresses of balancing love of family with a love of country. And the challenges of transitioning back home to their next mission in life,” she said.

The Got Your 6 group was launched in 2012 to put pressure on Hollywood to discourage stereotypes of veterans on film. The group announced Friday a committee in which movie and TV projects could be awarded “6 Certified” designations for their portrayal of veterans, AP reported.

Chris Marvin, managing director of Got Your 6 and a former U.S. Army officer, said their campaign hopes to shine an honest light on veterans.

“Most Americans tell us that they only see veterans portrayed as broken or as heroes who walk on water in film and television,” he told Fox News. “We’re missing something in the middle: Veterans are everyday people.

“They’re your next-door neighbor who helps you bring your garbage cans back when they blow away. They’re your kids’ 5th grade math teacher. It’s the person running for city council,” he added. “You see them every day in your own life, but you don’t see them on film or television.”