Hate Will Never Win...Tonight, We Have to Make Sure of That': Tony Awards Pay Tribute to Victims of Orlando Massacre

Sunday night's Tony Awards broadcast opened with a special, one-minute message from host James Corden.

Following Corden's statement, the Tony Awards proceeded as planned, handing out awards to actors, writers, composers and producers.

In the case of "Hamilton," a musical nominated for a record-setting 16 Tonys, the Broadway smash hit ended up winning 11 awards, including Best Composer for Lin-Manuel Miranda.

"I'm not free-styling ... I'm too old," said Miranda as he pulled a piece of paper from his tuxedo and read a sonnet he had written as his acceptance speech.

Image source: YouTube

After paying tribute to his wife, Miranda's sonnet shifted gears to the shooting in Orlando:

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 lasts long

And love is 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.

Watch the entire acceptance speech:

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