Renner screens new film for soldiers

Actor Jeremy Renner made an emotional appearance at the Navy Memorial Building in Washington on Thursday for a screening of his latest film, The Hurt Locker, for military members and their families. The film, which tells the story of an army bomb squad stationed in Baghdad, is directed by action movie maven Kathryn Bigelow and features brief appearances by Ralph Fiennes and Evangeline Lilly.

Despite the thunderous applause that followed the closing credits, Renner admitted to being “a nervous wreck” at the prospect of showing the film to members of the military, veterans, and their families, and he choked back tears during a brief Q&A after the film. The evening was organized by T.A.P.S., the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, which supports the families of service members killed in combat, with co-sponsors EOD Technology, Inc. (EODT), the U.S.O., the G.I. Film Festival and Slate.

The Hurt Locker is playing this weekend at Landmark E Street Cinemas and Loews Georgetown Cinemas. Check out Thursday’s The Hill for an in-depth interview with Jeremy Renner about his experience.

–Christina Wilkie