“Hamilton” creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda offered a poetic tribute to the victims of the Orlando massacre on Sunday in accepting his Tony Award for the hip-hop musical’s original score.
“Senseless acts of tragedy reminds us that nothing here is promised — not one day,” Miranda said in a moving and lyrical speech that brought tears to audience members at the Beacon Theatre.
“And love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside,” he continued. “Fill the world with music love and pride.”
Earlier in the live broadcast, host James Corden took center stage and addressed the tragedy that claimed 50 lives early Sunday morning at the gay nightclub Pulse.
“Good evening,” the host started. “All around the world, people are trying to come to terms with the horrific events that took place in Orlando this morning. On behalf of the whole theater community and every person in this room, our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity. All we can say is that you’re not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theater is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced, and is loved. Hate will never win. Together we have to make sure of that. Tonight’s show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle. This, is the Tony Awards …”
Watch the video of Miranda’s speech above.