This link gives the very specific eligibity stipulations for foreign film Academy entries:  
http://www.oscars.org/75academyawards/rules/rule14.html

8 Women (8 Femmes)  - Francois Ozon -  SHOULD have been one of the nominees, but I haven't seen any of the other contending films, so I guess it's difficult for me to say without full knowledge.    
According the the web site below France's submission to the 75th Academy awards (here's the link): 
http://www.filmfestivals.com/cgi-bin/fest_content/festivals.pl?debug=&channelbar=&lang=en&year=2003&fest=oscars2003&page=selections&partner=&text_id=23504