Lin-Manuel Miranda Honors Orlando Victims in Emotional Tonys Speech

In the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando, tonight’s Tony Awards turned into a tribute for the LGBT community and a celebration of love and creativity — and “Hamilton” star Lin-Manuel Miranda hit the perfect note with his acceptance speech for Best Original Score.

He’s known for freestyle rapping during speeches, but for this event he took a different approach: “I wrote you a sonnet instead.” Clearly emotional, he gave thanks to his wife Vanessa before honoring the victims of the tragedy, bringing almost everyone watching to tears.

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