First lady Michelle Obama defended the Oscar-nominated film "American Sniper," which has received criticism for its depiction of war, according to The Associated Press.

Bradley Cooper was nominated for best actor for his portrayal of late Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.

Obama urged Hollywood to give a more accurate portrayal of veterans at an event that Cooper attended to launch 6 Certified with representatives from National Geographic Channels, Warner Bros. and the Producers Guild of America.

They started an initiative that will allow TV shows and films to display an onscreen badge that tells viewers they are watching a "Got your 6" certified clip, which derives from military slang that means "I've got your back."

"We hope our country will welcome back our veterans -- not by setting them apart but by fully integrating them into the fabric of our communities," Michelle Obama said.

The first lady said referring to "American Sniper," "While I know there have been critics, I felt that, more often than not, this film touches on many of the emotions and experiences that I've heard firsthand from military families over these past few years."

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

"Most Americans tell us that they only see veterans portrayed as broken or as heroes who walk on water in film and television," Marvin said. "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," he added. "They're your kids' fifth-grade math teacher. It's the person running for city council. You see them every day in your own life but you don't see them on film or television."

A film or TV show must be written by a veteran, have veteran casts or tell a veteran story in order to be 6 Certified.

"American Sniper" received criticism for glorifying murder and serving as war propaganda.

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