Clint Eastwood managed to get a coveted “Secret Sneak” spot at the AFI Fest for his new film American Sniper.

The Veteran’s Day timing may have been somewhat planned, but the effect of the extra emotional coating on the occasion had feelings running high for the film’s topic.

Clint Eastwood’s Midas touch definitely seems to be intact, even though the prolific director is 84-years-young.

In his newest film, Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle, the nation’s most lethal and successful sniper, who served four tours in Iraq.

With 160 confirmed kills, Chris Kyle claimed the Iraqi insurgents gave him the nickname “The Devil of Ramadi” and had a bounty on his head.

He was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat and received numerous medals, including two Silver Star Medals, five Bronze Star Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

This unsinkable hero was unfortunately murdered at a shooting range in February of last year by a fellow veteran that he was trying to help.

If early reviews are to be believed, Clint Eastwood was absolutely able to capture his heroism in war, as well as at home, perfectly.

According to Pete Hammond at Deadline Hollywood, “After today’s unveiling, the studio can probably feel pretty good it could receive a number of [Oscar nominations] including Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay for Jason Hall, Film Editing and Tom Stern’s Cinematography.”

He adds, “And even in this impossibly crowded year in the Best Actor category, Bradley Cooper’s understated and immersive performance as Kyle may well deliver him his third consecutive Oscar nomination after Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle in the last two years.”

Great news for Clint Eastwood! What do you think about the film’s premise?