Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards ProductionsIf we could sum up Lin-Manuel Miranda's acceptance speech in one word, it would have to be love.
When receiving the award for Best Original Score Sunday night at the 2016 Tony Awards, the Broadway veteran and Hamilton superstar quickly got emotional when reading off a sonnet dedicated to the victims of Orlando's mass shooting.
"We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger," he shared while holding back tears. "We rise and fall and light from dying embers."
"Remembrances that hope and love last longer," he continued. "And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love."
His speech quickly earned praise from the audience including his wife who appeared moved by her husband's words. You can read the whole sonnet below.
"My wife's the reason anything gets done
She nudges me towards promise by degrees
She is a perfect symphony of one
Our son is her most beautiful reprise
We chase the melodies that seem to find us
Until they're finished songs and start to play
When senseless acts of tragedy remind us
That nothing here is promised, not one day
This show is proof that history remembers
We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger
We rise and fall and light from dying embers
Remembrances that hope and love last longer
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love
Cannot be killed or swept aside
I sing Vanessa's symphony, Eliza tells her story
Now fill the world with music, love and pride"
The acceptance speech comes shortly after host James Corden began the show with a powerful tribute to the Orlando shooting victims.
"People all around the world 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 you are not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy," he declared. "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."
Costume designer William Ivey Long also helped organize an effort where silver ribbons would be handed out and worn along the red carpet in dedication to those slain in the tragedy.