diff --git a/src/api_awards.lua b/src/api_awards.lua
index 4147d43..7520c57 100644
--- a/src/api_awards.lua
+++ b/src/api_awards.lua
@@ -122,6 +122,9 @@ function awards.unlock(name, award)
 		end
 	else
 		local player = minetest.get_player_by_name(name)
+		if not (player and player.is_player and player:is_player()) then
+			return
+		end
 		local one = player:hud_add({
 			hud_elem_type = "image",
 			name = "award_bg",