Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Emotional Tribute Sonnet To Orlando Victims At The Tony Awards

During the 2016 Tony Awards this Sunday night, Lin-Manuel Miranda won in the category for Best Original Score.

He used his acceptance speech as an opportunity to honor the victims of Sunday morning’s shooting in Orlando at the Pulse nightclub.

Miranda became emotional as he recited a sonnet in tribute to those affected. Opening with an address to his wife the full sonnet follows:

“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”

Miranda held back tears as his speech drew to a close. He gave thanks for the award and exited the stage as the audience applauded in support.

The dedication followed an opening tribute by host James Corden. Corden began the 70th Tony Award ceremony with his back to the packed audience making impassioned remarks of the victims of the attack.

Towards the latter end of the sentiment, Corden noted: “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.”

Earlier Sunday, the ceremony’s producers announced the entire show would be dedicated to all those affected by the mass shooting. The show’s social media accounts shared a photo with the caption: “Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight’s ceremony to them.”

Another form of recognition came from costume designer William Ivey Long. Long helped organize the distribution of silver ribbons  to be worn along the red carpet in dedication to those slain in the tragedy.