[1][2] Originally a dancer, Morante started her acting career on stage at 18 years old, in the theatrical company of Carmelo Bene.

She eventually had her breakout thanks to Nanni Moretti, who gave her the title role in Sweet Body of Bianca.

[1][2] After her marriage to French actor Georges Claisse, Morante moved to Paris, where, thanks to her participation in numerous productions, she acquired a certain level of notoriety in European art cinema.

[1][2] Returning to Italy, in 2001 she eventually won the David di Donatello for best actress her performance in Moretti's The Son's Room.

[2] Very active in France, in 2012 Morante made her directorial debut with the French-Italian co-production Cherry on the Cake, for which she was nominated for the David di Donatello for Best New Director.