Frank Langella and Lin-Manuel Miranda pay tribute to Orlando massacre victims at Tonys

Frank Langella and Lin-Manuel Miranda gave impassioned acceptance speeches at the 2016 Tony Awards in honour of those affected by the deadly shooting in Orlando, Florida on Sunday (12Jun16).
Omar Saddiqui Mateen opened fire with an assault weapon at gay nightclub Pulse in the early hours of Sunday, killing 50 and injuring 53 others.
The tragedy, which has been labelled the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, sparked words of sympathy and support from many celebrities, including those attending the annual New York City prizegiving, which took place at the Beacon Theatre just hours after news broke of the deadly incident.
And when veteran actor Langella accepted his fourth Tony Award, this time for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for The Father, he told the audience he was opting to forego his usual list of thank yous to give a “dose of true reality” and shed light on the tragedy in Orlando.
“I found some words that will mean more to you than a litany of names,” he began. “When something bad happens we have three choices. We can let it define us, we can let it destroy us or we can let it strengthen us. Today in Orlando we had a hideous dose of reality. I urge you Orlando to be strong. I’m standing in a room full of the most generous human beings on earth and we will be with you every step of the way.”
Prior to his speech, Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda also used his platform after winning Best Original Score to recite a sonnet about the day’s events, saying, “I’m not freestyling. I’m too old. I wrote you a sonnet, instead.”
“We chase the melodies that seem to find us,” he said with tears in his eyes. “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… Now fill the world with music, love, and pride.”
Prior to the start of the live U.S. telecast, Miranda and producers of the 11-time Tony winning musical decided to not incorporated the prop muskets normally used in their performance of battle song Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down) in respect for the tragedy.
Ceremony host James Corden opened the show with an emotional statement about the massacre, saying, “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. 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 as a symbol and a celebration of that principle.”
In addition, many in attendance donned silver ribbons designed by veteran Broadway costumer William Ivey Long in honour of those who lost their lives.