Francesco Scianna began his acting career in theater, debuting in 1997 with the recital of poems by Salvatore Quasimodo, "CEI". Later he participated in many other works and graduated from the National Academy of Dramatic Art Silvio D'Amico.
In 2002 he debuted in the movie Il più bel giorno della mia vita by Cristina Comencini, followed by L'odore del sangue, directed by Mario Martone, 2004. In 2007, he acted in the movie L'uomo di vetro.
His big break came in 2009 when he played the role of Peppino Torrenuova, the Baarìa male protagonist, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, next to newcomer Margareth Madè. The film, succeeded at the box office and was nominated to participate as an Italian film at the Oscars 2010 and also nominated for a Golden Globe.
In 2010 he acted in the movie Vallanzasca - Gli angeli del male, playing the role of Francis Turatello, beside by Kim Rossi Stuart, directed by Michele Placido. Also in 2010 he acted in Le cose che restano and in 2011 in Ti amo troppo per dirtelo.
