Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda paid tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting Sunday night at the 70th Tony Awards with an emotional speech that brought Broadway to tears.
While accepting the award for best original score, a grateful Miranda, the creator and star of the musical phenom, read a sonnet to the Beacon Theater audience in New York, thanking his wife and cherishing the moment.
“Love is love is love is love is love, and love cannot be killed or swept aside” he said. “Fill the world with music love and pride.”
Earlier in the evening, host James Corden also honored the victims of the gay nightclub shooting in Orlando which killed at least 50 people early Sunday. The 29 year-old gunman, an American citizen, was shot and killed by police.
“Hate will never win,” the “Late Late Show” host said. “Together, we have to make sure of that. Tonight’s show stands as a symbol and celebration of that principle.”
Actor Frank Langhella, while accepting his fourth Tony for best actor in “The Father,” also brought up “a dose of true reality–what happened today in Orlando.”
“I urge you Orlando to be strong,” he added. “I’m standing in a room full of the most generous human beings on earth and we will be with you ever step of the way.”
