I think the performances by the female leads in those two films are truly worthy of consideration.
I have to throw this one out, although I don't know if it would be elegible:
Once Upon a Time in Anatolia, by Nuri Bilge Ceylan.
It is a masterpiece, as far as I'm concerned. A perfectly crafted police procedural, with an outstanding cast in which everyone has moments to shine, and a pace that allows a simple anecdote to stretch to the point of becoming philosophical. I was really surprised with this film, and highly recommend it to anyone.