James Corden Gives Moving Tribute To Orlando Shooting Victims At The Tony Awards

The nation was shaken to its core when a gunman went into Pulse nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning, killing at least 50 people and injuring 53.

The Tony Awards went on as planned, but prior to his opening number, host James Corden delivered a powerful tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting:

All around the world, people are trying to come to terms with the horrific events that took place in Orlando this morning. On behalf of the whole theatre 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. Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theatre 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.

The theater community is one of talent, creativity, tolerance, passion and love, and on days like today, that message is welcomed with open arms.

"Hamilton" creator and star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, echoed this message of love and tolerance with a powerful sonnet he wrote in lieu of a traditional acceptance speech. He said:

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.

He closed out his sonnet in tears, saying:

Love is love is love is love ... cannot be killed or swept aside.

When life gets hard, many turn to theater for comfort. Tonight we all do the same. Our hearts are with the families and friends of all those who were lost in last night's unspeakable tragedy.