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'Hell or High Water' Sheriff Talks Filming, Oscars Red Carpet

"Cowboy boots and a hat aren't allowed, so I'll be wearing a tux," McNamara said.

Hollywood will honor the best in the business Sunday night at the Oscars, and one of the nominees in the Best Picture category has a distinct Texas connection.

The movie "Hell or High Water" is based on McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara. The movie is about a Texas Ranger looking for one last triumph before his retirement.

McNamara was a member of the U.S. Marshals Service before he was forced into retirement at 57 due to federal age restrictions. McNamara discovered he wasn't ready to leave law enforcement, so in 2012, he ran for McLennan County Sheriff and won.

Now, the sheriff's story could win a coveted Oscar for his screenplay-writing cousin, Taylor Sheridan.

Millions of people will tune in to watch the Oscars this weekend. While the stars may be dressed to the nines in expensive outfits, we found some of the hottest looks in Dallas that don't cost a fortune.

Sheridan wrote the screenplay for "Hell or High Water" after growing up in Bosque County and idolizing McNamara. It's his second movie penned, with the first being the Writer's Guild of America-nominated "Sicario."

Sheridan consulted the sheriff as he developed the script and worked hand in hand with lead actor Jeff Bridges. McNamara told NBC 5 he also worked very closely with Bridges as he prepared for the role.

McNamara says Bridges looked for advice on everything from clothes to line reading as the mentor/mentee relationship grew. When the crew was ready to film, Bridges nailed down McNamara's Texas look, making them look like twins.

Now, McNamara is in need of advice as he makes plans to head to L.A. on Sunday to walk the red carpet. His trademark Texas threads won't work among the glitzy and glamorous.

"Cowboy boots and a hat aren't allowed, so I'll be wearing a tux," he said.

Editor's Note:  A previous version of this story said McNamara was a Texas Ranger. That was an error and the story has been corrected.

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