The US screen legend was on the shortlist for the prestigious awards with a nod as a guest performer in a daytime drama series for his role in Days of Our Lives.
Van Dyke told People magazine: "This is a very different honour for me; I seldom get recognised for dramatic or straight acting - comedy and musicals are my specialty after all.
"I'm so honoured and it will be a fun night celebrating with the entire daytime television community."
The star, best known for roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins, expressed his gratitude to Days of Our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn for helping him land the part.
"This nomination is very exciting; after all, it took me 75 years and my pal Drake Hogestyn to get on a soap opera!
"He is really the reason this happened and deserves the credit and thanks."
Across four episodes, Van Dyke played an amnesiac patient called Timothy, who is supported by the medical staff as they use exercises and musical numbers to help him bridge gaps in his memory.
Reflecting on how he got the part, Van Dyke told Access: "I said, 'Don't you have any parts for old people? Come on give me one.' And he took me seriously and got me a part!
"I have played old men before, but comedy old men. (This is the) first time I have ever just played my 97-year-old self."
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